wt 


} 


CONDITIONS  OF  THE 

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Th{8  last  article  applies  also  to  subscvil . 


TH] 


HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS 


MISS  ANNA  MARIA  PORTER 


IN  TWO  VOLUMES. 


"  What  so  sweet 
So  beautiful  on  earth,  and  Ah !  so  rare. 
As  kindred  love,  and  family  repose  J"  2'tung. 


VOL.   II. 


PUBLISHED  BY  BRADFORD  fcf  INSKEEP,  Philadelphia: 
And  INSKEEP  &  BRADFORD,  New-York. 


PRINTED  BY  ROBERT  CARR. 


1809, 


k6£ 

V.JL 


THE 


HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 


CHAP.  I. 


AS  that  part  of  the  Austrian  force,  to  which 
the  younger  Leopolstat  belonged,  was  considered 
as  a  body  of  reserve  for  the  army  of  observation, 
lining  the  bank  of  the  Adige,  it  was  still  in  its  for- 
mer cantonments,  when  hostilities  commenced  in 
Italy :  Demetrius  therefore,  was  yet  reposing  among 
the  sweets  of  hospitable  friendship. 

It  was  now  the  month  of  March ;  in  that  en- 
chanting climate,  Spring's  magic  touch  had  already 
transformed  the  icy  trees,  and  snowy  hills,  into 
green  bowers,  and  fragrant  beds.  The  song  of  the 
nightingale,  the  smell  of  violets  and  fruit-blossoms, 
greeted  the  wanderer  in  his  walks:  the  blue  arch  of 
heaven,  was  cloudless ;  and  the  star  of  evening, 
rose  upon  nights  of  warm  serenity. 

VOL.  II.  B 


2  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

The  Duchess  di  Felieri  eager  to  promote  the 
innocent  cheerfulness  of  her  grand-daughter,  pro- 
posed a  moonlight  water  party.,  which  the  mild  sea- 
son rendered  by  no  means  imprudent.  She  had  a 
tincture  of  the  romantic,  in  her  character,  and  it 
shewed  itself  in  this  selection  of  a  pleasure. 

Her  plan  was  zealously  embraced,  not  only  by 
Wurtzburgh  and  Demetrius,  but  also  by  some  Ve- 
netian ladies  then  visiting  Constantia.  The  party 
was  arranged  at  dinner  ;  and  the  gentlemen  leaving 
the  rest  of  the  company  to  take  their  siesta,  repair- 
ed to  their  quarters  to  execute  some  trivial  profes- 
sional business,  and  collect  a  few  more  officers. 

In  searching  among  his  papers  for  some  flute- 
music,  with  which  he  meant  to  refresh  his  memory, 
Demetrius  accidentally  encountered  a  sonnet,  which 
he  had  written  in  the  very  meridian  of  his  passion 
for  Madame  de  Fontainville :  he  seized  it  with 
trembling  hands,  and  a  pang  of  exquisite  regret 
quivered  through  his  heart,  while  he  involuntarily 
read  these  lines.-^ 


To  Zaire. 

In  thought  of  thee  run  all  my  days  to  waste  ! — . 

I  seek  no  more,  to  win  the  wreath  of  fame, 
But  sunk  in  dreams  of  love,  forget  the  taste 

Of  bookish  study,  or  of  glory's  aim : 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.  3 

Each  foregone  purpose  of  my  squI,  defac'd, 

I  strive  no  longer  Valour's  meed  to  claim ; 
I  shun  the  social  train  by  Science  gr?.c'd, 

Reckless  of  who  may  praise,  or  who  may  blame, 
Past  is  the  wish  to  be  for  aught  renown'd: 

Like  a  vain  shadow  has  it  fled  away — 
Gone  is  the  vacant  mind,  which  lately  found 

Delight,  in  converse  with  the  wise  or  gay  ! 
Thou,  thou  alone,  my  mind's  companion  art ; 
My  books,  thy  letters ;  my  soul's  prize,  thy  beat 

Demetrius  held  the  sonnet  some  time  after  he 
had  read  it,  gazing  on  the  lines  without  seeing  them  ; 
without  seeing  any-thing  in  short,  but  a  long  train 
of  former  feelings  which  had  been  too  fatally-trans- 
porting, to  be  remembered  without  emotion. 

From  recollection  of  the  past,  his  thoughts 
turned  to  the  present ;  roving  over  distressing  con- 
jectures about  the  ill-fated  Zaire.  He  knew  she 
lived  and  wras  in  England,  surrounded  by  friends: 
but  upon  the  state  of  her  heart,  Charles  had  hither- 
to preserved  an  impenetrable  silence.  His  own, 
throbbed  an  agonizing  assurance  that  she  was  more 
faithful  than  he. 

Man  is  a  mass  of  contradictions  !  for  Deme- 
trius now  became  profoundly  sad,  only  because  he 
was  no  longer  miserable. 

With  a  countenance  as  changed  as  his  sj.  irr :,,  he 
rejoined  Wurtzburgh  :  complaining  of  an  excessive 


4  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

head-ach  which  plea  he  was  again  forced  to  urge  at 
the  l,odge. 

The  Duchess  would  have  put  an  end  to  the  ex- 
pected entertainment,  had  he  not  declared  that  air 
and  gaiety  were  always  specifics  with  him,  and  at  the 
same  time  professed  to  have  found  benefit  from  a 
cooling  essence,  which  the  Princess  herself  had 
held  on  his  forehead. 

The  boat  was  announced  soon  after. — The  lit- 
tle party  took  some  refreshments  on  board,  and 
unanimously  voting  against  attendants,  commenced 
their  aquatic  tour.  It  was  on  a  narrow,  deep 
stream,  which  originating  among  some 'mountains, 
flowed  across  the  Bellunese,  and  mingled  its  waters 
with  the  Livenza  near  Felieri. 

The  boat  gliding  rapidly  along,  bore  thent 
through  dark  romantic  banks,  rich  with  the  foliage 
of  the  willow,  and  the  light  forms  of  the  poplar 
and  laburnum.  The  moonlight  tracked  their  path 
through  the  rippling  water  ;  the  balmy  air  was  filled 
with  the  breathings  of  flowers  ;  and  a  solitary  night- 
ingale warbled  its  melancholy  lay  among  the  peach- 
blossoms  of  a  neighbouring  garden. 

Constantia  was  seated  beside  Demetrius.  She 
caught  some  of  his  pensiveness  ;  and  while  the  rest 
of  the  groupe  were  laughing  'and  talking,  they  only, 
sat  buried  in  contemplation. 

The  Princess  sighed — 

a  Does  this  beautiful  scene,  make  you  melan- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.  o 

choly  ?"  asked  Demetrius,  withdrawing  his  eyes 
from  the  moon  upon  which  they  were  before  fix- 
ed.— "  Yes  it  does:"  she  replied,  sighing  again; 
"  and  I  know  not  why.  Perhaps  the  secret  influ- 
ence of  the  idea  that  all  these  things  are  passing 
away ;  that  this  glorious  world,  yon  beautiful 
planet,  must  all,  one  day,  perish. — How  mournful 
is  the  thought  of  decay  !"  "  Mournful  indeed  !" 
returned  Demetrius.  "  This  idea  embitters  every 
pleasure  which  does  not  flow  from  the  admiration 
of  a  virtue,  or  the  indulgence  of  an  affection :  but 
these,  are  things  which  decay  not — these  are  things 
over  which,  time  and  death  will  have  no  power  !" 

Constantia  turned  rapidly  round  at  the  ardent 
tone  of  his  voice  ;  and  their  eyes,  equally  flashing 
with  enthusiasm,  met  and  retreated. 

She  then  sank  into  silence  ;  which  was  only 
interrupted  by  the  low,  frequent  sighs  of  her  com- 
panion. His  enthusiasm  was  over  :  for  he  remem- 
bered that  affection  could  decay,  as  well  as  mate- 
rial objects. 

The  Duchess  was  sitting  at  a  distance,  wrapt 
up  in  a  mantle  of  fur  and  velvet,  which  defended 
her  e Ten  from  the  refreshing  breeze :  she  was  in 
such  high  spirits,  and  so  pleased  with  the  witty 
sallies  of  her  Venetian  friends  and  their  military 
cicesheo's,  that  she  suffered  the  romantic  pair,  to 
poetize,  as  she  conjectured,  on  the  nightingale. 

At  the  first  agreeable   spot  adapted  for  their 
B  2 


6  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

purpose,  they  landed.  It  was  a  little  green  recess 
formed  into  an  amphitheatre  by  tall  trees  :  there 
the  young  men  spread  their  pelisses  for  carpets, 
produced  fruits,  cakes  and  wine;  and  this  simple 
supper,  seasoned  with  mirth  and  graced  by  beauty, 
seemed  more  delightful  to  the  fair  Venetians,  than 
all  the  pageantries  of  their  native  carnival. 

One  of  these  ladies,  separated  Demetrius  from 
Constantia,  and  by  the  vivacity  of  her  conversation, 
enlivened  his.  Strong  colouring  and  sprightly  ex- 
pression, were  the  charms  of  the  Signora  Marinelli. 
— The  blushes  of  innocence  and  the  illumination 
of  sensibility,  were  the  graces  of  Constantia. 
Though  trifling  with  the  Signora,  Demetrius  con- 
stantly found  his  eyes  and  thoughts  wandering  to 
the  Princess. 

Soj%s  followed  supper.  The  Italian  ladies  sang 
together,  some  enchanting  harmonies,  which  their 
finished  taste  and  skill  rendered  perfect.  Constan- 
tia timidly  yielded  to  the  intreaty  of  her  grandmo- 
ther and  sang  alone. 

The  sweet  stillness  of  the  night,  and  the  tender 
expression  of  every  surrounding  object,  was  in  uni- 
son with  her  voice :  its  tones,  ever  low  and  melo- 
dious, flexible  as  her  graceful  form,  and  various  as 
her  character,  were  now  doubly  melodious  from  that 
complacent  melancholy  with  wrhich  she  was  pene- 
trated.  She  sang  witness  skill  than  the  Venetians. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.  7 

but  her  singing  had  a  genius  in  it,  that  knew  how  to 
touch  every  chord  of  the  human  soul. 

When  she  concluded,  Demetrius  alone  spoke 
not :  he  could  not  join  in  the  loud  applause  of  the 
livelier  party;  but  his  eyes,  half-veiled  by  their  long 
lashes,  were  more  than  ever  rivetted  on  her. 

He  was  roused  by  a  request  from  a  brother- 
officer,  that  he  would  atone  for  the  absence  of  his 
flute. 

His  rich  mellow  voice  then  gave  exquisite  ex- 
pression to  the  recitative  with  which  he  prefaced  an 
Italian  melody. — It  was  like  the  far-off  sound  of  a 
hautboy  winding  through  rocks,  or  over  water. 

The  effect  was  magical ;  and  commendations, 
such  as  had  often  been  lavished  on  him  by  his  bro- 
ther, proceeded  from  every  tongue :  Wurtzburgh 
hastily  proposed  returning;  and  the  party  unwil- 
lingly re-entered  the  boat. 

The  trees  now  rustled  thickly  above  them,  as 
they  sailed  along :  the  moon  became  thinly  shaded 
by  clouds,  and  a  brisker  current  hurried  them  to- 
wards the  Lodge.  When  its  dome  appeared  in  sight, 
Demetrius  bent  to  the  ear  of  Constantia:  u  Dq  you 
not  think  me  insensible,  cold-hearted,  and  taste- 
less i "  said  he. 

"  Insensible  !"  she  repeated,  "  to  what  ?" 

"  To  that  voice,  which  I  should  injure  if  I  were 
to  attempt  its  praise." 

"O!  you  are  vastly  gallant  it  she  exclaimed. 


8  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

with  one  of  her  sweetest  smiles :  before  she  could 
proceed,  a  general  scream  from  the  other  end  of  the 
boat,  called  their  attention  to  one  of  the  party  that 
had  fallen  overboard. 

The  instant  Demetrius  saw  it  was  Wurtzburgh, 
who  could  not  swim,  he  hastily  threw  off  his  pelisse, 
and  jumped  into  the  river.  The  next  moment  they 
were  both  safe  on  the  opposite  bank. 

There  had  not  been  time  for  a  single  fainting 
fit,  or  doubtless  some  one  of  the  ladies,  would  have 
paid  that  compliment  to  the  young  Hussar.  When 
the  boat  gained  the  place  where  they  were,  every 
voice  was  eager  in  congratulation. — "  You  were 
certainly  born  under  a  saving  star,  my  friend ! " 
whispered  Constantia. 

"  If  I  am,"  returned  Demetrius,  gaily,  "  I  hope 
it  will  never  prove  its  influence  by  making  me  take 
to  my  heels,  when  the  enemy  take  to  their  arms" 

The  Du.hess  after  putting  a  civil  enquiry  to  the 
dripping  Colonel,  turned  to  Demetrius — 

"  You  have  frightened  me  dreadfully,  my  dear 
Leopolstat.  For  heaven's  sake  don't  stand  shiver- 
ing diere  ;  walk  home  ;  run  home,  both  of  you  ! — 
to  the  Lodge  I  mean — you  will  catch  your  deaths." 

"  Allons  then,  for  a  race ! "  cried  Demetrius,  and 
followed  by  the  heavier  Wurtzburgh,  was  the  next 
moment  seen  Entering  the  Ledge  gates. 

Wurtzburgh  was  so  stunned  by  the  terror  of 
drowning,  and  the  sense  of  what  he  owed  Deme- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.  9 

trius,  that  he  could  not  endure  his  own  feelings.  He 
was  a  man,  whom  benefits  only  exasperated.  In 
answer  to  the  friendly  ardour  of  his  young  compa- 
nion, he  wrung  his  hand,  and  muttered  a  few  words, 
which  the  other's  fancy  translated  into  gratitude. 

A  change  in  their  dress,  was  speedily  effected : 
the  Colonel  was  first  equipped  in  a  superb  suit  of 
the  Prince  of  Nuremberg's,  and  Demetrius  less  so- 
licitous about  his  looks  than  his  comfort,  assumed 
the  robes  of  a  Venetian  senator,  that  had  acciden- 
tally been  left  in  the  Felieri  wardrobe,  by  a  relation. 
There  were  plenty  of  other  habits  to  chuse  from  ; 
but  Demetrius  had  a  superstitious  reverence  for  the 
dead,  and  revolted  both  from  needlessly  wearing 
the  cloaths  of  a  departed  person,  and  from  exciting, 
by  such  indiscretion,  painful  recollections  in  the 
mind  of  the  Duchess. 

Much  mirth  was  the  consequence  of  this  whim- 
sical selection.  Wurtzburgh  was  rallied  as  unmer- 
cifully upon  his  foppery,  as  he  had  been  upon  his 
awkwardness  ;  and  spite  of  uncouth  garments,  per- 
haps the  youth  and  beauty  of  Demetrius,  were  never 
more  praised  and  admired,  than  on  this  eventful 
evening. 

Though  he  thought  nothing  of  an  action  to  which 
he  never  affixed  the  idea  of  danger,  being  an  ad- 
mirable swimmer,  the  consciousness  oi  having  saved 
a  life,  even  without  personal  risk,  gave  a  quicker 
flow  to  his  spirits ;  and  so  charming  did  this  exhi- 


10         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

laration  make  him  appear  in  the  eyes  of  the  partial 
Constantia  and  her  grandmother,  that  they  parted 
from  him  (alter  he  had  resumed  his  own  attire :) 
with  evident  unwillingness. 

As  they  separated  in  the  hall,  Demetrius  linger- 
ed behind  his  party,  to  kiss  the  hand  of  the  Princess. 
He  accompanied  this  action  with  a  speech  so  spor- 
tive, that  Constantia  lightly  pushing  away  his  head 
from  her  hand,  said  archly. 

"  Water  intoxicates  you,  I  find  my  friend!  while 
the  poor  Colonel  seen;s  to  have  been  bathed  in  li- 
quified lead :  his  rueful  face  all  the  night  has  quite 
amused  me.  Didn't  he  roll  about  his  baleful  eyes, 
as  if  my  uncle's  fine  dress  were  the  preparatory  robe 
for  an  Auto  de  Fe  ? " 

"  Why  to  be  sure,  he  did  look 

Grim  as  Don  Quixote  in  the  shades, 
And  grisly  as  the  Knave  of  Spades :" 

replied  Demetrius  j  "  but  misfortune  ought  to  be 
sacred.  So  with  that  wise  saw,  and  my  impromptu 
couplet,  I  leave  you,  sweet  Princess  ;  good  night ! 
may  your  dreams  be  as  delightful  as  yourself." 

"  May  your's  too" — Constantia  softly  repeated, 
as  she  followed  his  flying  figure  with  her  eye...  She 
saw  him  join  the  other  officers;  and  while  their  glit- 
tering uniforms  sparkled  in  the  moonlight,  and  the 
sound  of  Leopolstat's  lively  voice,  reached  her  ear, 
she  exclaimed, 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         11 

"  My  dear  Demetrius  !" 

No  sooner  had  the  words  escaped,  than  blush- 
ing, she  looked  hastily  round,  to  see  if  any  one  wit- 
nessed this  proof  of  regard :  no  one  was  there ;  and 
she  rejoined  the  ladies  with  a  light  heart. 

Demetrius  was  in  a  sound  sleep  the  next  morn- 
ing, when  Coionel  Wurtz burgh  drew  back  the  cur- 
tains of  his  bed,  and  abruptly  waking  him,  said, 
"  Rise  Leopolstat !  the  order  of  march  is  come,  and 
we  shall  be  off  in  an  hour." 

These  words,  and  the  buz  of  troops  without,  the 
trampling  of  their  horses  feet,  the  noise  of  men  run- 
ning to  and  fro,  with  all  the  oihcr  accompaniments 
of  military  removals,  was  such  a  sudden  transition 
from  the  peaceful  dreams  of  Demetrius,  that  at  first 
he  could  scarcely  comprehend  what  they  meant. 

A  few  moments  dispersed  the  vapours  of  sleep : 
he  leaped  out  of  bed,  hastily  threw  on  his  cloaths, 
(which  his  eager  feelings,  half-joy  and  half-pain, 
made  him  fasten  with  difficulty,)  called  to  his  ser- 
vant, gave  hi sn  a  few  indispensible  orders,  and  then 
ran  off,  to  the  Lodge. 

By  the  time  he  reached  Felieri,  the  tumultuous 
images  of  batdes  and  sieges,  the  d.  zzling  ones  of 
martial  renown,  had  given  place  to  the  probability 
of  never  more  beholding  the  kind  friends  he  was 
abdut  to  leave:  before  duty  would  again  prrmit 
him  to  visit  the  Trevisane,  the  Duchess  might  be 


12         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

dead,  Constantia  married,  or  he  might  not  live  te 
see  that  time  :  he  might  "fall  in  his  first  field." 

Saddened  by  such  unavoidable  anticipations  ;  he 
entered  the  gallery  leading  to  a  breakfast-parlour, 
where  he  found  Constantia  duly  posted  at  her  ac- 
customed window.  As  if  it  were  possible  for  him 
to  know  why  she  was  standing  there,  the  artless 
Princess  blushed,  and  stammered  out  an  excuse : 
Demetrius  was  far  from  suspecting  himself  to  be 
the  object  she  watched;  and  readily  believed  the 
attraction  to  lie  in  a  beautiful  groupe  of  trees, 
which  the  morning  mist  gradually  clearing  away, 
now  partially  developed. 

They  entered  the  room  together  :  the  Duchess 
and  her  visitors  were  still  in  their  own  chambers  ; 
and  Constantia  seemed  so  peculiarly  animated,  that 
poor  Leopolstat  knew  not  how  to  announce  his  de- 
parture. She  had  a  multitude  of  ludicrous  ques- 
tions to  ask  about  the  plunging  Colonel,  as  many 
new  recreations  to  propose,  and  rallied  him  upon 
the  conquest  she  declared  his  gallantry  had  made  of 
the  Signora  Marinelli,  with  such  sportive  grace, 
that  he  threw  himself  silendy  on  a  seat,  unable  to 
share  in,  or  to  check  her  vivacity. 

At  length  she  perceived  his  depression  :  ap- 
proaching him,  she  innocently  lifted  aside  his  hair, 
and  looking  earnestly  in  his  eyes,  said,  "  What  is 
the  matter,  my  dear  Demetrius  r" 

The  affectionate  epithet  which  she  now  for  the 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        13 

first  time  gave  to  him,  joined  to  her  former  gaiety 
(for  gaiety  has  something  emboldening  in  it ;)  pro- 
duced a  sudden  impulse  in  Demetrius :  he  threw 
his  arms  hastily  round  her  slender  waist,  and  press- 
ed her  to  him.  "  My  dear  Constantia," — he  re- 
peated, and  his  full  heart  gave  unutterable  expres- 
sion to  the  words. 

Constantia  as  quickly  withdrew  her  fingers  from 
the  rings  of  his  fine  hair,  and  gently  chiding  him, 
disengaged  herself.  There  was  nothing  in  her 
manner  that  reminded  Leopolstat  of  the  Princess, 
but  it  was  full  of  modest  reproof. 

"  Forgive  "me,"  he  cried,  u  amiable  Constan- 
tia !  I  know  you  will,  when  I  shall  have  told  you 
that  our  regiment  is  to  join  the  main  army  imme- 
diately.    We  march,  in  half  an  hour." 

The  Princess  turning  frightfully  pale,  hastened 
back  to  him.  "  Oh  !  heaven,"  she  exclaimed, 
a  and  we  are  to  lose  you  ! — you  are  going  into  bat- 
tle !" 

Her  fair  face  sunk  on  his  shoulder  as  she  spoke, 
and  wetted  it  with  tears.  At  this  instant,  the 
Duchess  carried  by  her  servant,  entered  the  apart- 
ment. 

A  brief  explanation  was  given  by  Demetrius: 

the   Duchess   wept,   and  repeatedly  embraced  her 

ui'v! '3  preserver,  as  he  knelt  before  her. 

tiny  ?  a  hi  '.">  I  suffer  in  ihis  way,"  said  she,  "  I  am 

to  rejoice  at  having  few  beloved  connec- 

PL.  ij.  G 


14        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

tions  left :  many  friends,  are  but  a  quiver  full  of 
poisoned  arrows,  destined  to  give  us  more  pain  than 
pleasure.  Now,  shall  we  pay  dearly,  for  all  the 
happy  hours  we  have  passed  together! — never-ceas- 
ing anxiety,  prayers,  and  tears,  must  occupy  us, 
till  we  see  you  again." 

Demetrius  pressed  his  lips  on  her  hand,  with  a 
devotion  of  gratitude  that  made  silence  eloquent. 
Constantia  tried  to  smile,  to  comfort  her  grandmo- 
ther :  but  at  every  effort,  tears  gathered  afresh  in 
her  eyes,  and  the  unfinished  sentence  of  consola- 
tion, faltered  on  her  tongue. 

The  Duchess  opened  a  casket  near  her.  "  Here 
is  a  present  for  you,  my  dear  boy  1  when  these  pic- 
tures were  painted,  at  the  time  I  made  you  sit  for 
your's,  I  intended  them  for  this  moment.  Look 
at  them  often,  and  think  of  us." 

This  present,  was  a  circle  of  diamonds,  fram- 
ing in  the  opposite  miniatures  of  the  Duchess  and 
her  grandchild.  Demetrius  seized  it  with  trans- 
port, and  eagerly  kissed  them. 

u  Oh  i  how  often  I  shall  look  at  your  picture  :'' 
cried  the  Princess,  directing  a  glance  to  where  it 
hung  ;  "  look  now  and  then  on  mine :  and  don't 
forget  me  J" 

Demetrius  without  speaking,  turned  his  glow- 
ing eyes  upon  her,  as  she  pronounced  the  last  words* 

The  sound  of  voices  in  the   gafit 
some  one's  approach :  the  Duchess  folded  /or  the 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         15 

trius  to  her  breast. — Immediately  after,  Constantia 
threw  herself  into  his  trembling  arms,  with  all  the 
unsuspiciousness  of  pure  affection.  The  old  lady 
then  hastily  said.  "  Continue  to  love  each  other, 
my  equally-dear  children,  and  at  my  death,  you 
shall  find  I  have  provided  for  your  happiness." 

Neither  of  them  hnd  time  to  conjecture  the 
meaning  of  this  speech ;  for  the  Venetian  ladies 
and  Colonel  Wurtzburgh  entered. 

While  the  sound  of  bugle-horns  and  the  neigh- 
ing of  horses,  proclaimed  the  march  of  the  regi- 
ment, expressions  of  more  than  common  regret, 
proceeded  from  the  lips  of  the  fair  Venetians  :  De- 
metrius had  a  bow  and  a  languid  smile  for  every 
one  of  their  cordial  benedictions,  but  his  heart  was 
too  full  of  sorrow  to  let  them  rest  a  moment  on  his 
mind. 

Scarcely  conscious  of  what  he  was  about,  he 
hurried  through  the  apartments,  and  mounted  his 
horse  in  the  midst  of  a  crowd  of  the  domestics, 
whose  unbought  partiality,  shewed  itself  in  fervent, 
blessings.  As  he  shook  hands  with  them  all,  his 
gracious  but  tearful  smiles,  destroyed  the  effect  of 
Wurtz burgh's  showering  gold. 

Every  officer  now  joined  the  line  of  march  ;  and 
Demetrius  was  for  the  first  hour,  wildly  gay :  his 
thoughts  absolutely  ran  away  from  their  own  scru- 
tiny ;  and  sought  refuge  from   it,  in  this  wretched 


16         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

The  new  situation  of  Wurtzburgh's  regiment, 
which  was  brigaded  with  others,  and  encamped  in 
the"  neighbourhood  of  Verona,  opened  a  scene  of 
pleasing  novelty  to  Demetrius. 

The  activity  of  a  camp,  and  the  interest  of  actual 
service,  contributed  to  restore  his  mind  to  its  for- 
mer tone  :  he  was  still  so  near  his  illustrious  friends 
as  to  hear  from  them  frequently,  he  was  certain  of 
their  stability  ;  and  he  began  to  pant  for  an  oppor- 
tunity of  increasing  his  claims  on  their  esteem. 

This  opportunity  was  on  the  eve  of  occurring. 

The  French  troops  lining  the  banks  of  the  Min- 
cio,  feeling  themselves  securely  flanked  by  the  im- 
portant fortresses  of  Mantua  and  Peschiera,  were 
eager  for  battle  :  the  Austrians  upon  the  Adige, 
necessarily  forced  to  defend  it  by  a  longer  line,  im- 
perfectly sustained  by  mere  intrenchments,  were 
aware  of  their  disadvantageous  position ;  yet  not 
despondent. 

To  obtain  the  pillage  of  Verona,  was  the  object 
of  the  Republicans  :  to  defend  that  city,  the  hope  of 
the  Imperialists. 

A  vigorous  attempt  was  soon  made  on  this 
point,  by  the  enemy ;  and  they  succeeded  in  forc- 
ing every  post  before  Verona  and  Pastrengo.  De- 
metrius was  in  the  column  at  Bevilaqua,  that  rapid- 
ly advancing,  turned  the  tide  of  success. 

He  fought  with  ardour  ;  and  distinguished  him- 
self as  much,  by  the  rapidity  with  which  he  com- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         17 

prehended  and  executed  every  new  order,  as  by 
his  undaunted  intrepidity. 

Wurtzburgh,  in  giving  him  a  post  of  danger, 
had  given  him  the  post  of  honour :  for  at  the  ter- 
mination of  the  action,  General  Kray  publickly 
complimented  his  young  countryman,  upon  his  con- 
duct. 

From  this  period,  his  talents  and  courage, 
(though  somewhat  sullied  by  rashness)  ;  procured 
him  the  attention  of  his  General :  and  after  the  re- 
nowned battle  of  the  fifth  of  April,  (in  which,  our 
ycung  Hussar  had  two  horses  killed  under  him), 
Wurtzburgh  saw  another  Charles  in  the  person  of 
Demetrius. 

While  he  was  coldly  thanked,  in  the  usual 
routine  of  business,  or  angrily  passed  by ;  his  lieu- 
tenant was  warmly  applauded,  and  promoted  with 
peculiar  marks  of  favour. 

Elated  as  Demetrius  really  was,  with  the  uni- 
versal approbation  of  his  companions,  nothing  touch- 
ed his  heart  so  much,  as  a  letter  from  his  brother  at 
SchafFhausen. 

It  contained  a  relation  of  his  own  military  ca- 
reer in  Suabia  and  the  confines  of  Switzerland,  and 
breathed  the  most  affectionate  solicitude  for  his  safe- 
ty :  charging  him  to  remember  that  he  was  now,  the 
only  source  of  his  brother's  happiness. 

Demetrius  caught  new  fire  from  the  brilliant 
track  of  Charles  ;  and  with  difficulty  reined  in  an 

c   2 


IS        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

ardour  which  precipitated  him  but  too  often  into 
needless  danger. 

After  his  first  engagement,  he  thought  no  more 
of  gloomy  forebodings.  He  now  wrote  to  the  Du- 
chess di  Felieri,  in  high  spirits ;  eloquently  describ- 
ed the  different  scenes  in  which  he  had  acted  ;  pre- 
dicted fresh  successes  (springing  from  the  influence 
of  her  affectionate  patronage)  ;  and  dwelt  with  rap- 
ture on  the  hour  of  peace  or  of  truce,  which  would 
enable  him  to  bring  his  early  laurels  into  the  sun- 
shine of  Princess  Constantia's  smiles. 

To  that  secretly-cherished  object,  were  all  his 
views  directed.  Yet  he  would  not  allow  himself  to 
think  so  :  though  he  kissed  her  picture  at  every  so- 
litary instant;  dwelt  with  tumultuous  but  sweet  con- 
fusion of  thought,  on  the  last  words  of  his  protect- 
ress ;  and  often  while  thinking  that  the  countenance 
which  this  picture  represented,  was  lovelier  than  the 
Goddess  of  Spring,  repeated  to  himself — u  but  it  is 
her  heart  that  I  love  ;  it  is  her  heart." 

An  attachment  like  this,  so  pure  and  so  delight- 
ful ;  an  attachment  that  gave  fresh  energy  to  every 
virtue,  had  nothing  in  it  to  terrify  Demetrius. 

When  so  eminently  favoured  by  her  nearest  re- 
lative, he  was  too  young  and  inexperienced  to  cal- 
culate upon  possible  causes  of  misery  :  and  he  be- 
lieved that  to  be  permitted  to  love  her,  and  think 
himself  beloved,  would  make  him  fully  blest. 

The  bright  dawn  of  a  spotless  affection,  ros? 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        19 

upon  his  soul,  after  a  stormy  and  burning  day  of 
passion,  a  gloomy  night  of  despair  and  remorse  : 
how  then,  was  it  to  be  expected  that  he  should  avoid 
its  cheering  influence  ? 

After  the  battle  of  Magnon,  the  Austrian  Ge- 
nerals, pursued  the  French  forces,  successively  be- 
yond the  Tartaro,  and  the  Cheisa:  the  Russian  army 
now  joined  that  of  the  Germanic  empire,  and  the 
whole  command  devolved  upon  the  iron-hearted, 
but  ever-victorious  Suwarrow. 

Demetrius,  still  in  the  army  of  General  Kray, 
went  with  the  detachment  which  under  this  able 
commander,  invested  the  fortresses  of  Peschiera  and 
Mantua.  He  was  present  at  the  reduction  of  both 
places  ;  and  with  him,  rejoined  the  main  army  time 
enough  to  share  in  the  decision  of  the  bloody  field 
of  Novi. 

It  is  well  known,  that  to  the  rapid  march  of  the 
Hungarian  General  upon  that  illustrious  day,  is  to 
be  attributed  its  happy  event.  In  the  daring  charge, 
up  the  steep,  wooded  heights  of  Novi,  Demetrius 
nobly  distinguished  himself.  The  cavalry  being 
dismounted,  he  rushed  forward  on  foot,  at  the  head 
of  his  squadron,  under  a  plunging  fire  that  shower- 
ed balls  upon  them,  like  hail.  Just  as  the  fate  of 
the  day  was  fixed,  a  shot  struck  him,  and  he  fell. 

Count  Forsheim,  whose  regiment  also  was  en- 
gaged, had  his  fri  nd  immediately  conveyed  -nto 
the  rear,  where  he  soon  alter  followed  j  and  iound 


20         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

to  his  inexpressible  satisfaction,  that  the  wound  was 
not  mortal. 

Universal  concern  surrounded  the  sick  chamber 
of  Demetrius :  but  he  did  not  regret  his  wound, 
when  he  blushingly  listened  to  the  commendations 
of  his  General,  though  they  were  mixed  with  some 
reproof  of  his  rashness. 

u  'Tis  a  noble  lauit,  however,  young  man,"  said 
the  veteran,  shaking  hands  with  him,  and  rising  to 
depart.  "  But  as  I  won't  have  it  repeated ;  you  must 
henceforth  come  under  my  immediate  eye.  The 
death  of  poor  Mecronfeldt,  gives  me  an  opportunity 
of  appointing  you  to  be  one  of  my  Aid-de-Camps  : 
Good  morning !  I  shall  now  visit  your  surgeon,  and 
see  ii  he  can  find  out  a  medicine  for  cooling  a  valour 
that  has  rather  too  much  inflammation  in  it,  lor  its 
owner's  safety  :  not  that  I  should  be  sorry  if  your 
disease  were  somewhat  catching." 

General  Kray  left  the  room  while  speaking,  and 
Count  Forshiem  entered. 

u  I  have  brought  you,  one  charming  restorative 
at  least,"  said  he,  "  here  are  letters  for  you  :  this 
is  from  your  brother." 

The  blood  rushed  into  the  before-pale  face  of 
our  voting  hussar :  he  raised  himself  eagerly,  and 
snatched  the  letters  ;  for  he  saw  the  hands  of  Con- 
stant^  ind  the  Duchess. 

Unconsciously  afraid  of  Forshiem's  raillery,  he 
laid  those  letters  down,  and  opened  that  from  Char- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        21 

les.  As  it  contained  an  account  of  all  that  had  oc- 
curred to  him,  from  the  period  in  which  this  nar- 
rative left  him  at  Schaffhausen,  it  will  be  best. to 
transcribe  the  letter. 


22         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 


CHAP.  II. 

Valley  of  the  Reusse,  Aug.  1799. 
"  My  dear  brother  ! 

"  I  have  been  now,  above  four  months  in  Swit- 
zerland, and  have  written  to  you  only  once  :  had 
you  not  been  engaged  in  active  service,  I  would 
not  have  been  so  bad  a  correspondent.  Sometimes 
we  were  expecting  great  events  ;  at  other  times,  so 
occupied  in  following  up  the  advantages  they  pro- 
duced, that  to  sit  calmly  down,  and  take  a  pen,  was 
impossible. 

"  I  have  however,  kept  a  sort  of  frying  journal 
for  you,  which  (when  the  campaign  ends,  and 
leaves  me  leisure  to  translate  from  short-hand,  into 
more  intelligible  characters  ;)  may  furnish  you  and 
me,  with  subjects  to  discuss,  for  many  a  peaceful 
evening. 

"  How  often  have  I  wished,  that  fortune  had 
destined  us  to  make  the  campaign  of  Switzerland  to- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         23 

gether !  a  campaign,  so  rich  in  stores  of  military- 
knowledge  !  a  campaign,  upon  which  Europe  rivets 
her  eyes,  and  which  posterity  will  retrace  with 
emotions  of  awe  !  a  campaign  where  each  action 
is  but  a  bold  experiment  ;  and  commanders  no 
longer  the  passive  instruments  of  acknowledged 
rules,  find  in  every  victory,  an  honour  peculiarly 
their  own  ! 

"To  military  men,  Switzerland  has  hitherto 
been  an  unknown  world ;  and  now,  every  step  they 
take  in  it,  is  a  discovery. 

"  The  war  of  plains  and  of  rivers,  and  of  fortifi- 
ed towns,  (which  till  now,  bounded  my  informa- 
tion ;)  is  I  find,  but  the  initiatory  principle  of  our 
art :  it  is  in  the  war  of  mountains,  that  we  learn  its 
sublime  mysteries. 

"  There,  what  before  was  the  result  of  calcula- 
tion, is  the  production  of  genius  ;  what  experience 
could  once  ascertain,  grows  unfixed  and  speculative  ; 
a  wide  range  is  left  for  every  power,  and  the  soul 
seems  to  find  new  powers  for  new  objects.  Com- 
binations of  attack,  defence,  and  retreat,  are  varied 
as  infinitely,  as  the  forms  of  ground  upon  which 
they  are  tried  :  every  thing  becomes  novelty,  and 
enterprise. 

"  Certainly,  man  delights  in  strong  emotion, 
and  loves  to  contend  with  difficulties.  Action,  lo- 
sing its  dubiousness,  to  him  loses  its  vivacity  ;  and 
when  the  success  of  an  operation  may  be  pronoun- 


24         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

ced  on,  by  certain  established  data,  his  plans  are  fi- 
nished ere  they  are  begun.  Obstacles  therefore, 
only  act  as  stimulants  :  and  the  tameness  of  regular 
marches,  leisure  approaches,  long  foreseen  battles, 
(which  attends  ordinary  campaigns  :)  vanishes  be- 
fore the  watchful  apprehension  and  active  prvoy- 
ance  exacted  by  this  species  of  warfare. 

"It  is  then,  that  war  loses  half  its  horror,  by  lo- 
sing all  its  gloom  :  and  in  proportion  as  the  game 
grows  interesting,  we  almost  forget  the  tremendous 
stake  for  which  we  throw — the  lives  of  human  be- 
ings ! 

"  Let  us  not,  however,  quite  forget  it,  my  bro- 
ther !  though  Providence  hath  graciously  given  us 
the  faculty  of  exti  acting  pleasure  even  from  hor- 
rors ;  and  by  a  multitude  of  opposite  feelings,  hath 
counterbalanced  our  instinctive  abhorrence  at  the 
sight  of  destruction,  let  us  not  suffer  this  abhorrence 
to  sink. 

"  The  man  that  studies  the  military  art,  for  any 
other  purpose  than  that  of  saving  lives,  is  unworthy 
the  name  of  man.  We  must  never  get  enamoured 
of  what  we  ought  to  detest :  for  war  should  be  our. 
av  rsion  though  the  study  of  it  is  our  duty,  and  the 
glory  attached  to  it  our  reward. 

"  Ours,  is  a  profession  destined  to  protect  in 
peace  and  industry,  our  fellow-citizens  : — a  profes- 
sion which,  substituting  skill  and  experience  in  the 
place  of  mere  courage,  spares  the  needless  effusion 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         35' 

of  blood.  For,  were  there  no  established  armies, 
were  the  inhabitants  of  a  country  to  arm  upon  the 
irruption  of  an  enemy,  (setting  aside  the  folly  of 
not  remembering  that  a  spirited  offensive,  is  often 
the  only  method  of  defence)  ;  every  loss  or  gain, 
would  then  be  the  event  of  sheer  fighting ;  and 
those  that  made  the  most  slaughter  would  be  the 
victors. 

"  Now,  under  the  present  system  of  organized 
troops,  a  single  manoeuvre,  ably  conceived  and 
promptly  executed,  frequently  produces  the  blood- 
less conquest  of  w  hole  battalions. 

"  When  the  subject  is  thus  contemplated  I  am 
astonisht-d  at  the  odium  which  our  profession  in- 
curs from  many  enlightened  classes  of  society.  If 
they  believe,  preposterously  believe,  that  there 
would  be  no  wars,  if  there  were  no  disciplined  sol- 
diers, of  course  they  are  justified  in  denouncing 
us  :  but  I  think  they  might  as  well  go  to  prove  that 
there  would  be  no  diseases,  if  there  were  no  physi- 
cians. The  roots  of  war  are  in  the  rank  passions 
of  the  human  heart  ;  as  we  can  never  eradicate 
them,  this  baleful  tree  must  remain  :  while  all  that 
is  left  us,  is  the  attempt  at  confining  its  poisonous 
droppings,  within  as  small  a  circle  as  possible. 

u  If  that  man  is  deemed  a  benefactor  of  his  spe- 
ci  s,  who  studies  surgery,  habituating  his  eves  to 
sights  of  horror,  his  hand  to  painful  operations,  for 
the  sake  of  preventing  greater  suffering  ;  I  know 

VOL.  II.  D 


26         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

not  how  the  candid  can  inveigh  against  the  mem- 
bers of  a  profession,  in  which,  a  comparatively 
small  body  of  men,  from  similar  motives,  take  the 
whole  portion  of  humanity's  worst  affliction  upon 
themselves. 

"  Are  we  to  seek  for  the  reason  of  this  incon- 
sistency, in  the  envy  of  our  fellow-creatures  I — Do 
they  begrudge  us  the  praise  of  patriotism  : — or  is 
it  to  be  found  in  the  prevalent  opinion,  that  when- 
ever an  action  can  only  spring  from  the  best  or  the 
worst  motives,  it  is  invariably  to  be  attributed  to 
the  latter. 

"  Leaving  you  Demetrius,  to  settle  this  point 
or  not,  just  as  you  please,  I  will  return  to  my 
subject. 

"  Without  an  eye  for  embracing  at  one  glance, 
a  vast  coup  d'ceil,  and  retaining  a  distinct  map  of  it, 
in  his  memory,  a  soldier  here,  might  as  well  have 
no  eves  at  all :  I  have  found  my  habit  of  exercis- 
ing this  sense,  so  essentially  serviceable,  that  I  ear- 
nestlv  recommend  you  to  pursue  the  same  plan, 
wherever  you  go,  and  however  insipid  the  country 
mav  appear. — Believe  me,  if  a  soldier  has  not  every 
sense  alert,  as  well  as  every  mental  faculty,  he  will 
never  shine  in  practice,  whatever  he  may  do  in 
theory. 

"  Nothing  could  have  been  more  fortunate,  than 
mv  having  beetl  in  Switzerland  eight  years  rgo. 
How  little  did  I  then  think,  that  this  majestic  tern- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         27 

pie  of  liberty,  which  I  entered  with  so  much  devo- 
tion ;  and  which,  for  near  three  centuries,  had  stood 
like  a  holy  thing,  unapproached  by  the  fiend  of  war; 
that  this  panctaary  of  peace  and  virtue,  should  be 
profaned  by  the  impious  apostates  of  France  !  Even 
now,  I  feel  guilty  of  sacrilege,  as  I  tread  its  sacred 
precincts  ;  and  can  hardly  be  reconciled  to  myself, 
for  unsheathing  the  defensive  sword,  among  such 
consecrated  scenes. 

u  Switzerland  was  the  modern  Arcadia.  It  was 
an  exquisite  fragment,  preserved  to  shew  us,  what 
this  world  had  been, 

"  There,  the  philanthropist  went  from  the  fright- 
ful images  of  crime  and  animosity,  presented  By 
every  other  land,  to  console  himself  with  the  spec- 
tacle of  a  moral  phenomenon  ;  a  people  brave,  vet 
peaceful;  poor,  yet  content ;  ignorant,  yet  suscepti- 
ble of  every  tender  and  social  feeling. 

"  Good  God  !  and  was  such  a  people  to  be  anni- 
hilated : — Were  they  to  be  torn  from  their  tranquil 
enjoyments,  and  sacrificed  to  the  demon  Cruelty, 
by  his  fierce  ministers  Fire,  Famine,  and  the  Sv.  ord? 
—  Was  their  hitherto-adamantine  zone,  (that  gigan- 
tic chain  of  Alps  which  had  so  long  bound  in  their 
happiness)  ;  to  be  burst  asunder  by  the  storm  of 
war,  and  turned  into  one  vast  engine  for  their  de- 
struction ! — Where  the  Glaciers  rose  in  sacred  still- 
ness, protecting  vallies  that  resounded  the  cheerful 
.songs  of  industry,  was  the  steely  glare  of  armed 


28         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

multitudes  to  blind  their  startled  sight ;  and  the  din 
of  sanguinary  rage,  to  awaken  those  echoes,  that 
had  slept  in  an  unbroken  trance  from  the  creation 
ef  the  world  ? 

"  Forgive  me  this  rhapsody,  Demetrius. — 

"  Public  report  will  have  given  you  so  brilliant 
an  account  of  our  progress  here,  that  it  is  not  ne- 
cessary for  me  to  do  more  than  intreat  that  you 
will  not  fall  into  the  vulgar  error  of  censuring  Prince 

rles  for  having  halted  as  it  were,  on  the  threshold 
of  Switzerland,  after  his  early  successes  at  Sto- 
chach  and  Schaffnausen. 

a  You  know  not  how  he  is  fettered  and  circum- 
scribed by  councils  and  court  intrigues  ;  how  his 
judicious  projects  are  traversed  by  an  ungrateful 
faction,  that  would  thus  drive  their  good  angel  from 
hem.  To  penetrate  further  into  a  country  already 
exhausted  of  the  means  for  supporting  troops,  be- 
fore' provisions  were  brought  from  other  places,  and 
magazines  formed,  would  have  been  madness  :  these 
were  delayed  from  day  to  day ;  and  the  most  scan- 
dalous neglect  was  suffered  to  prevail  amongst  a 
set  of  men,  over  whom  the  Prinee  had  no  authority. 
It  was  necessary  also,  that  the  plans  chalked  out 
for  Generals  Bellfgarde  and  Hotze,  should  have 
succeeded,  before  any  progress  could  be  safely  at- 
here.  No  sooner  had  they  put  us  in  pos- 
session of  the  Orisons  and  the  sources  of  the  Rhine, 
than  the  Arch-duke  struck  the  meditated  blow. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         29 

"  Our  conquest  of  the  entrenched  camp  that  de- 
fended Zurich  ;  and  the  defeat  of  Massena,  will  for 
ever  silence  the  clamours  of  ignorant  impatience. 
Prince  Charles,  in  that  attack,  displayed  all  the 
qualities  of  a  consummate  General.  Never  shall  I 
forget  his  energv,  his  intrepidity,  his  undisturbed 
presence  of  mind !. 

"  Immediately  after  this  important  event,  I  was 
generously  rewarded  for  my  poor  services,  with  the 
command  of  a  regiment,  and  sent  to  join  the  troops 
in  Uri.  There,  my  topographical  knowledge  v.  as 
thought  more  needful,  than  in  the  less  intricate  can- 
ton of  Zurich. 

"  The  engagements  that  have  taken  place  since, 
though  uniformly  successful,  might  have  been  so, 
at  such  an  inferior  rate,  that  I  cannot  help  noticing 
the  evils,  of  our  present  system,  and  lamenting  our 
obstinate  adherence  to  what  maj  bj  called  a  splen- 
did error. 

u  In  a  region  of  rocks  and  torrents,  ice  and 
clouds,  none  but  the  Arch -duke  could  extract  suc- 
cess from  an  army  organized  like  ours  :  certainly 
Marshal  Lascy  did  Austria  an  irreparable  injury, 
when  he  sacrificed  her  light  troops,  to  his  passion 
for  uniformity.  We  now  experience  the  ill  efLets 
of  such  a  change. 

"  The  French  seem  to  have  foreseen  how  often 
they  would  have  to  contend  in  mountainous  coun- 
tries, and  have  perfected  this  part  of  their  lorce  ; 

D  2 


30         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

have  multiplied  their  sharp-shooters  and  chasseurs, 
without  number ;  whilst  we  remain  just  what  we 
were  fifty  years  ago. 

"  In  spite  of  our  victories  here,  and  in  Italy,  I 
cannot  forbear  thinking,  that  the  imposing  grandeur 
of  our  army,  is  an  unsolid  magnificence  :  at  least  it 
is  a  magnificence  which  cumbers  its  usefulness. 
The  heavy  strength  of  our  long  lines  of  troops,  our 
extended  chains  of  posts,  our  enormous  pieces  of 
ordnance,  our  saturnine  coolness,  and  never-to-be- 
displaced  attention  to  rule,  will  at  last  be  found  an 
insufficient  opposition  to  the  deep  columns  of  the 
French,  (which  pierce  our  line  like  so  many  batter- 
ing-rams :)  their  sudden  attack  upon  twenty  differ- 
ent points  at  the  same  instant,  their  flying  artillery, 
and  that  enviable  facility  with  which  their  unre- 
stricted Generals  pass  from  one  mode  of  warfare  to 
another. 

"  Our  habits  ought  to  be  changed,  to  frustrate 
this  novel  practice  of  our  enemy. 

"  Let  us  give  our  commanders  more  power,  and 
more  responsibility  at  the  same  time,  and  I  think 
affairs  would  be  better  conducted. 

"  Pondering  upon  this  subject  makes  me  won- 
der that  no  able  person  has  yet  thought  of  writing, 
(what  would  be  a  very  useful  work  for  us  young 
soldiers);  a  History  of  War  as  a  Science:  com- 
mencing at  the  time  of  Epaminondas,  when  it  first 
ceased  to  be  blind  slaughter,  and  advanced  towards 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         31 

an  art ;  pursuing  it  through  all  its  changes,  in  every 
age,  down  to  our  own  period  ;  in  which  a  new  sys- 
tem has  suddenly  risen  above  the  military  sphere, 
like  a  lawless  comet,  dimming  every  star,  with  its 
amazing  and  portentous  brightness. 

"  You  will  perhaps  marvel  at  my  filling  a  letter 
with  professional  remarks,  instead  of  describing  the 
scenerv  by  which  I  am  surrounded. 

u  Believe  me  I  am  so  far  from  insensible  to  it, 
that  it  presses  upon  my  heart  as  well  as  my  eyes : 
but  every  new  discovered  charm,  only  makes  me 
witness  with  greater  horror,  the  seas  of  blood  which 
even  now  deluge  its  majestic  beauties. 

"  The  frightful  discordance  of  armies  and  bat- 
tles, with  pastures  so  lovely,  mountains  so  sublime, 
forces  me  to  divert  my  thoughts  from  what  they 
dwelt  on  eight  years  ago,  with  holy  transport.  It 
is  not  however,  always  in  my  power  to  do  this :  I 
was  a  fortnight  ago  charmed  into  complete  forget- 
fulness  of  destruction. 

u  It  was  as  my  regiment  was  going  to  occupy  a 
new  position  in  Glarus. 

"  Our  march,  led  over  some  of  the  dreariest 
mountains  in  that  canton,  where  forests  of  gloomy 
pine  impervious  to  day,  and  naked  rocks  uncloathed 
even  by  mosses,  were  rendered  doubly  drear,  by  the 
stillness  of  midnight. 

"  Not  a  sound,  save  that  of  our  own  measured 
steps,  was  heard  in  this  fearful  solitude. 


32        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

I  "  The  troops  traversed  it  in  silence,  and  with 
haste :  We  then  climbed  over  still  wilder  heights, 
and  winding  down  a  precipitous  dt  file,  (whose  enor- 
mous trees  met  over  our  heads)  suddenly  enured  a 
valley,  where  the  most  glorious  spectacle  I  ever  be- 
held, presented  itself. 

"  The  moon  was  shining  brightly  upon  a  range 
of  stupendous  but  verdant  mountains  ;  above  which, 
towered  the  Glaciers  of  Schwitz,  and  Glarus,  like 
ramparts  of  glittering  steel.  Three  mighty  water-falls 
fell  without  a  single  interruption,  from  the  tops  of 
the  highest  steeps,  prone  at  once  to  their  feet ;  where 
sweeping  over  huge  trees  and  masses  of  rock,  they 
poured  their  united  torrents  through  the  valley,  with 
a  din  like  thunder. 

"  The  splendid  light  of  the  moon  upon  the  cata- 
racts and  the  Glaciers  ;  (for  never  did  she  seem  so 
bright  to  me  before)  ;  the  emerald  greenness  of  the 
woods,  and  the  vivid  colours  of  the  Alpine  plants 
blooming  among  their  roots ;  the  intense  blue  of  the 
sky;  and  the  sublime,  unmixed  l  sound  of  rushing 
waters,'  (the  troops  having  halted);  rendered  this 
scene  one  of  the  noblest  that  imagination  can  con-  . 
ceive. 

M  So  magnificent  a  sight,  seemed  to  have  been 
created  for  none  but  Gods  to  look  on:  I  stood  awe- 
struck ;  and  almost  feared  to  proceed. 

"  Even  at  th's  moment,  Demetrius,  I  am  sur- 
rounded by  a  region  of  enchantment. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         33 

*'  While  all  beneath  lies  dark  and  shadowy;  (the 
forests,  the  lakes,  and  the  vallies):  empurpled  clouds, 
floating  above  the  wood-tops,  serve  for  the  base  of 
aerial  structures,  that  rise  in  gorgeous  beauty  to- 
wards heaven. 

"  Palaces  and  castles,  islands  and  seas  of  trans- 
parent ice,  endless  in  their  fantastic  forms,  and  glow- 
ing colours,  seem  creating  themselves  before  me. 
The  sun  setting  opposite  to  the  Glaciers,  produces 
this  magic  pageant :  the  tints  of  the  rose  and  the 
violet,  succeed  each  other  on  their  inaccessible  sum- 
mits. These  hues,  shift  from  pinnacle  to  pinnacle, 
alternately  transforming  them  into  vast  blocks  of 
sapphire,  amethyst,  and  ruby. 

"  It  is  here,  that  imagination  finds  materials  for 
her  world.  Sometimes  she  fancies  the  triple  row  of 
snow-covered  Alps,  (between  which,  spread  broad 
green  lakes  :)  the  encampment  of  the  giants  when 
they  threatened  heaven  :  sometimes  she  sees  in  the 
Glaciers,  ranks  of  embattled  angels,  whose  beamy 
helmets  shine  among  the  stars  :  and  sometimes  at 
the  break  of  day,  when  grey  mists  slowly  roll  from 
their  dripping  sides,  partially  unveiling  an  indistinct 
outline,  she  takes  them  for  spirits  of  the  waters,  va- 
poury genii  ;  of  cataracts  and  lakes,  standing  in  si- 
lent grief,  over  their  desolated  land. 

"  Beholding  all  this  grandeur  and  misery,  even 
such  a  sober  fellow  as  I,  cannot  help  exclaiming — 
O   Switzerland,  beautiful  Switzerland  !    and  hast 


34>  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

thou  at  last  been  violated  by  the  brutal  demon  Am- 
bition ! 

"  Your  exclamation,  doubtless,  would  be  in  poe- 
try:  mine  alas!  must  lor  ever  remain  prose. 

"  Every  express  we  receive  from  the  army  of 
Italy,  brings  me  fresh  reason  to  exult  in  my  bro- 
ther :  Sweeter  to  me  is  this  early  incense,  than  all 
the  gales  of  Arabia.  I  know  you  victorious  o  .  er 
deadlier  enemies  than  any  to  be  encountered  in  the 
field  of  war  ;  and  I  listen,  consequently,  with  the 
fullest  satisfaction,  to  the  fame  which  you  have  more 
than  earned. 

"  Since  my  last  letter — nay,  only  ten  days  ago, 
I  was  surprized  with  a  present  from  my  incognita : 
a  charger,  of  uncommon  beauty.  It  was  delivered 
to  my  servant  at  head  quarters,  with  a  letter,  by  a 
Swiss  peasant,  who  went  off  without  waiting  to  be 
interrogated. 

"  I  could  easily  have  had  this  fellow  brought 
back  :  nav,  the  horse  itself,  and  my  ring,  might  by 
proper  enquiries,  ascertain  the  generous  giver  :  were 
it  not,  that  delicacy  makes  it  a  point  oi  conscience 
not  to  penetrate  a  mystery  which  can  never  have  a 
serious  influence  over  my  destiny.  I  wait  the  ami- 
able lady's  time  :  though  I  confess,  the  assurance 
she  gives  me  in  this  last  epistle  of  soon  removing 
her  obscuring  veil,  excites  some  little  emotion. 

"  Whoever  she  be,  her  goodness  and  munifi- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         35 

cence,  entitle  her  to  my  warmest  gratitude  !  She 
has  it.     More,  I  fear  she  will  never  have. 

"  This  acceptable  present  having  rendered  my 
former  charger  useless,  I  sold  him  two  days  since 
to  the  General.  His  good  looks  and  good  conduct, 
made  him  sell  for  twice  what  I  paid  for  him  ;  and 
as  vou  had  the  principal  trouble  of  his  education,  I 
send  you  half  the  sum. 

"  Let  me  have  no  unkind  refusal,  or  sending 
back  of  this  enclosure.  Hasty  marches  always  pro- 
duce unavoidable  expenses,  which  you  will  painful- 
ly feel,  unless  you  borrow  of  your  brother. — At 
anv  rate,  I  presume  Italy  is  not  barren  of  objects 
for  charity,  and  if  you  refuse  to  employ  this  trifle  in 
getting  yourself  a  bottle  of  tolerable  wine  after  hours 
of  exhaustion,  you  cannot  with  decency  decline 
using  it  for  others. 

"  I  have  just  heard  from  our  friends  in  England: 
^Tiey  are  well. 

u  Adieu,  my  dear  Demetrius  ;  my  thoughts  are 
always  witlryou. — Ah  no!  not  always  ;  I  have  not 
yet  quite  subdued  the  folly  of  unavailing  thoughts 
about  another. 

"  When  you  write  to  vour  illustrious  Patroness, 
present  my  offering  of  respect  to  Princess  (  onstan- 
tia.  *Vhat  a  happy  evening  was  that,  on  whic  i  I 
first  saw  her  ! — but  it  is  not  in  character  for  a  sol- 


36         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

dier,  surrounded  by  death,  to  sigh  over  the  remem- 
brance of  delicate  assemblies. 

Farewel. 

Your  affectionate 

Charles." 

Folding  down  the  last  paragraph,  Demetrius 
put  jthis  letter  into  Forshiem's  hand,  bidding  him 
read  it :  the  Count's  prompt  obedience  then  gave 
him  an  opportunity  of  perusing  those  from  Felieri. 

They  were  such,  as  the  tenderest  mother,  and 
fondest  sister  would  have  written :  thev  were  full 
of  praises  ;  and  intreaties  that  he  would  expose 
himself  less  to  danger.  In  one  part  Constantia 
wrote — 

"  I  could  hate  myself  for  being  gratified  with 
the  eulogiums  bestowed  on  you,  when  I  remember, 
that  to  deserve  these  eulogiums,you  are  perpetually 
risking  a  life,  precious  to  every  one. 

u  Ah  !  you  know  not  how  dear  you  are,  to  m^ 
beloved  grandmamma  !  she  talks  of  you  incessant- 
lv  ;  and  had  not  the  courier  from  my  brother,  who 
brought  us  the  news  of  the  victory,  brought  a  letter 
from  you  also,  I  belh  ve  she  would  not  have  sur- 
vived the  shock  we  sustained  in  hearing  of  your 
wound.  Certainly  she  likes  you  more  than  she 
does  mi  :  and  yet,  I  am  not  in  the  least  jealous  ;  for 
I  would  rather  have  you  loved  by  the  whole  wond, 


iHE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS*         37 

than  be  loved  myself.  And  this  is  very  natural., 
you  know,  because  it  is  to  you  I  owe  both  my  own 
life,  and  that  of  my  grandmamma." 

In  these  few  last  lines,  the  artless  Princess  un- 
knowingly displayed  the  force  and  nature  of  her 
affection.  Her  sentiment  found  an  answering  one 
in  the  heart  of  Demetrius,  where  a  secret  suspicion 
of  the  truth  was  now  softly  kindling. 

Sighing  from  excess  of  delight,  he  fell  into  a 
reverie  ;  and  his  eyes  swimming  in  tenderness,  re- 
mained fixed  on  the  letter. 

Count  Forshiem  made  it  a  point  of  conscience 
never  to  extract  the  secrets  of  his  nearest  friends, 
either  by  intreaty  or  raillery :  nay,  he  now  carried 
this  delicacy  so  far,  as  to  avoid  looking  at  the  ex- 
pression of  young  Leopolstat's  features.  Apparent- 
ly absorbed  in  Charles's  letter,  he  appeared  uncon- 
scious of  his  companion's  emotion,  and  as  soon  as 
he  had  read  it  through,  hastily  uttered  a  friendly 
comment,  and  retired. 

A  few  days  after  this,  the  young  Aid-de-camp 
was  well  enough  to  enter  upon  his  new  and  honour- 
able post ;  his  brother-officers  greeted  his  recovery 
with  demonstrations  of  cordial  good-will  ;  and  the 
Prince  of  Nuremberg,  whose  regiment  had  signa- 
lized itself  at  Novi,  did  him  the  favour  of  paying 
him  a  cold  compliment. 

After  the  reduction  ofTortona;  and  subsequent 
depart  ire   of  the  Russian  army  for  Switzerland; 

VOL.   II.  E 


38  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

nothing  particular  occurred  to  Demetrius  until  the 
end  of  autumn.  His  squadron  was  ihen  engaged 
in  the  valley  of  the  Bormida ;  where  he  providen- 
tially rescued  a  French  officer  from  being  butchered 
in  cold  blood,  by  a  Croat. 

The  officer  gashed,  and  weltering,  faintly  trying 
to  avert  a  weapon  already  at  his  breast,  presented 
the  most  frightful  spectacle.  Demetrius  command- 
ed the  soldier  to  desist,  and  had  the  fainting  pri- 
soner borne  to  his  own  quarters. 

There  this  unhappy  person  was  found  so  dread- 
fully wounded,  as  to  be  incapable  of  speech.  Part 
of  his  jaw,  had  been  carried  off  by  a  musquet  ball, 
and  his  body  was  mangled  with  sabres. 

Painfully  susceptible  of  compassion,  Demetrius 
forgot  the  lawltss  Republican,  in  the  dying  man, 
and  attended  him  as  assiduously  as  he  would  have 
done  a  friend.  During  this  attendance  he  received 
another  letter  from  Feiieri ;  after  which  he  was  sur- 
prised by  a  visit  from  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg. 

"  I  come  Sir,"  said  the  Prince  haughtily  seat- 
ing himself,  while  the  other  was  standing,  "  I  come 
to  satisfy  myself  on  a  point  which  it  is  of  the  utmost 
consequence  to  my  honour  to  ascertain. 

"  In  the  packets  of  letters  which  I  find  my 
courier  to  and  from  Feiieri,  has  also  brought  for 
you,  pray  do  you  ever  receive  any  from  the  Princess 
Constantia  of  Nuremberg." 

Demetrius  had  some   difficulty  in  moderating 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         39 

his  voice,  as  he  replied  to  the  tone  of  defiance  with 
which  this  question  was  put :  "  Never  but  once, 
Sir,  had  I  that  honour." 

"Shew  me  the  letter!" 

At  this  hasty  command,  Demetrius  surveyed 
the  Prince  from  head  to  foot,  and  then  turned 
calmly  away.  Surprised  into  the  keenest  contempt, 
he  forgot  his  relationship  to  Constantia. 

"  Shew  me  the  letter  Sir,"  repeated  the  Prince. 

Demetrius  had  then  recovered  himself. 

"  I  would  not  willingly  deny  the  Prince  of  Nu- 
remberg any  favour  in  my  poor  power  to  grant ; 
but  a  letter  is  in  my  opinion  too  sacred  a  deposit  to 
be  thus  shewn  at  the  mere  voice  of  authority.  To 
the  amiable  writer  of  the  one  in  question,  I  refer 
your  Highness;  confident  that  she  will  not  hesitate 
to  avow  the  merely- benevolent  interest  which  she 
takes  in  the  life  of  a  man,  who  once  had  the  happy 
fortune  of  preserving  her's." 

"  You  know  how  to  over-rate  yourself,  I  per- 
ceive Sir  ;"  rejoined  the  Prince,  "  surely  that  vast 
debt  was  paid  long  ago  ?  I  offered  you  my  patron- 
age and  protection,  neither  of  which,  you  chose  to 
accept.  No — it  was  more  for  your  interest  to  flat- 
ter a  rich  old  woman  already  in  a  co»venient  state 
of  dotage,  and  an  indiscreet  girl  not  yet  out  of  her 
childhood,  into" — 

"  Hold  Sir !"  exclaimed  Demetrius,  darting  on 
him  a  look  of  indignation ;  u  not  even  your  rank 


40        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

shall  authorize  you  to  treat  with  scorn,  in  my  pre- 
sence, names  so  sacred  tome." 

"  And  do  you  presume  to  place  yourself  on  a 
level  with  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg." 

"  No !"  retorted  Demetrius,  with  imprudent 
bitterness,  "  for  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg  when  he 
forgets  that  a  high  station  demands  higher  virtues, 
and  condescends  to  insult  and  brave  an  inferior, 
sinks  below  him !" 

At  this  cutting  reproof,  the  Prince  became  chok- 
ed  with  rage:  he  grasped  the  hilt  of  his  sword, 
passionately  advancing  with  an  enflamed  counten- 
ance towards  the  young  Count :  then  suddenly  ex- 
claiming, "  Scoundrel!"  struck  him  a  blow  on  the 
face. 

Demetrius  retreated  a  few  steps,  as  if  to  prevent 
himself  from  annihilating  the  despicable  Nurem- 
berg ;  all  his  body  shook  with  a  passion  tenfold  in 
magnitude  to  that  of  his  opponent's  ;  momentarily 
giving  the  reins  to  it,  he  returned  the  blow  with  a 
force,  which  brought  his  insulter  to  the  ground. 

At  that  juncture,  the  entrance  of  Forshiem, 
gave  a  check  to  their  mutual  rage.  Breathing  no- 
thing but  vengeance,  the  Prince  hastily  rose,  and 
left  the  place. 

On  his  departure  Forshiem  questioned  Deme- 
trius upon  the  cause  of  so  extraordinary  a  scene  : 
he  excused  himself  from  motives  of  delicacy. 

"  The  affair,"   he  said,  "  is  completely  that  of 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         41 

the  Prince  of  Nuremberg,  and  as  such  it  should  re- 
main secret  with  me,  unless  he  be  candid  enough, 
to  acknowledge  it  himself.  He  struck  me  ;  I 
struck  him  :  my  honour  is  now  satisfied." 

"  I  tremble  for  the  consequence,"  exclaimed 
the  Count,  u  my  dear  Leopolstat  if  you  have  erred 
through  a  too-inflammable  spirit,  one  small  conces- 
sion."  

"  Would  be  infamous  !"  cried  Demetrius.  uNo 
Forshiem,  by  heaven  ! — if  to  hear  the  woman  most 
venerated,  and  the  woman  most  loved,  named  with 
derision  ;  if  to  be  accused  of  the  basest  meanness, 
and  imperiously  commanded — but  hold! — I  have 
almost  lost  myself  again — suffice  it,  I  received  am^ 
pie  provocation  ;  and  though  it  should  cost  me  the 
possession  of  ail  I  hold  precious  on  earth,  never 
shall  my  coward  tongue  pronounce  an  apology  to 
which  my  conscience  would  give  the  lie." 

Demetrius  traversed  the  room  as  he  spoke,  with 
hasty  steps :  his  cheeks  burned.— Forshiem  serious- 
ly regarded  him. 

"  You  may  carry  delicacy  too  far ;"  he  obser- 
ved, "  without  I  know  the  real  state  of  this  case, 
it  will  be  impossible  for  me  to  serve  you  as  I  , 
wish.  Would  you  tell  me  the  circumstances,  I 
might  avail  myself  of  the  consideration  with  which 
the  Prince  always  treats  me,  and  urge  him  to  apo- 
logize." 

"  Urge  a  Greenland  bear  !"  exclaimed   Deme- 
e  2 


42         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

trius,  "  the  one  stupid  and  ferocious  beast,  is  just  as 
accessible  as  the  other.  But  I  promise  you  this, 
Ferdinand,  if  he  challenge  me,  and  you  consent  to 
be  my  second,  I  will  then  state  the  whole  affair  to 
you." 

Forsheim  was  proceeding  to  speak,  when  a  no- 
bleman in  the  suite  of  Nuremberg,  was  announced. 

This  gentleman  brought  a  fiery  challenge  from 
the  latter.  Forshiem  used  every  argument  to  dis- 
suade his  friend  from  meeting  this  rash  man,  but 
Demetrius  was  too  jealous  of  his  reputation  and  too 
keenly  stung  by  the  unmanly  accusation  of  the 
Prince,  to  listen  to  any  compromise.  He  dismiss- 
ed the  nobleman  with  his  ready  acquiescence  to  the 
proposal  of  their  meeting  an  hour  after,  at  the  skirt 
of  a  wood,  some  distance  from  the  lines. 

When  the  parties  met,  and  the  usual  prelimina- 
ries were  settled,  the  advantage  of  a  first  fire,  fell 
by  lot  to  Demetrius  : — He  discharged  his  pistol  in 
the  air.  "  What  do  you  mean,  Sir :"  exclaimed 
the  impatient  Prince. 

"  I  mean  to  shew  you,  Sir,"  replied  the  other 
firmly,  that  I  abhor  the  idea  of  deliberate  murder. 
The  disgrace  of  having  received  a  blow,  is,  in  my 
opinion,  cancelled  by  having  returned  it  :  I  there- 
fore am  satisfied  :  and  it'  you  are  not,  I  stand  here, 
to  let  you  take  satisfaction." 

"  Then,  thus,  I  take  it,  coward  !"  exclaimed  the 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         43 

Prince,  hastily  firing  off  his  pistol:  the  ball  took  ef- 
fect, and  Demetrius  fell. 

Every  drop  of  blood,  now  deserted  the  horror- 
struck  features  of  Nuremberg  ;  by  this  rash  act,  he 
had  endangered,  if  not  his  life,  his  military  rank 
and  reputation.  Disdaining  however  to  quit  the 
scene,  he  advanced  to  Demetrius  who  was  now  sup- 
ported on  the  bosom  of  Forshiem,  and  sinking  with 
loss  of  blood. 

"  I  am  heartily  sorry  for  this  !"  burst  involun- 
tarily from  Nuremberg.  Demetrius  unclosed  his 
heavy  eyes,  and  stretched  out  his  hand  to  him  with 
a  smile  of  amity  :  The  Prince-  took  it. 

u  Fear  nothing  !"  said  Demetrius,  in  a  low, 
gasping  voice  ;  "  the  circumstances  of  this  affair  are 
known  onl  to  ourselves  ;  if  I  die,  Forshiem  will 
let  them  die  with  me." 

Overpowered  with  this  generous  conduct,  but 
not  softened,  the  Prince  remained  silent.  Deme- 
trius was  then  conveyed  to  the  nearest  he  use, 
whi  re  a  surgeon  was  sent  for  to  dress  his  wound. 

The  report  of  this  gentleman  was  favourable  ; 
the  ball  had  only  penetrated  the  thigh,  without  in- 
juring a  vital  part. 

This  business  had  been  so  rapidly  concluded, 
that  few  persons  suspected  the  truth,  when  they 
were  told  next  morning  that  young  Count  Leopol- 
stat  was  confined  with  a  fever.  His  General  (to 
whom  Forshiem  upon  being  questioned  had  confes- 


44         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

sed  every  particular),  was  so  well  satisfied  with  the 
conduct  of  Demetrius,  and  so  shocked  at  the  fierce 
animosity  of  Nuremberg,  that  he  would  have  passed 
a  public  censure,  had  not  Forshiem  by  his  friend's 
desire,  requested  he  would  lay  aside  such  a  design, 
and  affect  ignorance  of  the  transaction.  The  Gene- 
ral reluctantly  consented  ;  nominating  the  Prince 
of  Nuremberg,  to  the  command  of  an  advanced 
post,  in  order  to  have  him  removed  from  the  sight 
of  his  young  Aid-de-camp. 

In  the  pain  of  his  own  wound,  Demetrius  did 
not  forget  to  inquire  after  his  prisoner,  who  still 
lived,  but  whose  frequent  convulsions  predicted  a 
speedy  dissolution.  As  he  was  delirious,  no  one 
had  as  yet  learnt  his  name  ;  though  his  dress  be- 
spoke him  an  officer  of  rank. 

Just  as  Demetrius  was  sending  to  ask  after  him, 
a  week  subsequent  to  the  duel,  he  received  the  fol- 
lowing letter  from  the  Duchess  di  Felieri. — 

u  I  have  received  so  strange  and  obscure  a  let- 
ter from  my  nephew,  that  I  must  apply  to  you  for 
an  explanation  of  it. — What  has  happened  between 
you  ? — It  seems  as  if  he  had  been  questioning  you 
upon  the  degree  of  regard  which-  my  Constantia 
bears  towards  you  :  She  will  not  shrink  from  avow- 
ing that  regard  believe  me,  my  dear  boy.  I  think 
I  know  both  your  hearts,  and  shall  not  act  wrong 
in  requesting  you  to  visit  us  immediately  after  the 
army  go   into  winter-quarters.     If  it  is  necessary, 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         45 

I  will  write  to  obtain  the  General's  promise  for  that 
purpose  ;  I  will  then  cheat  my  nephew  into  meet- 
ing you  :  when,  if  I  don't  make  you  friends,  at  least 
I  shall  hope  to  place  your  conduct  in  the  most 
honourable  light,  and  to  insure  your  future  happi- 
ness. 

"  The  courier  waits  :  leaving  me  only  time  to 
assure  you  of  the  unalterable  gratitude  and  friend- 
ship of  the  Princess  and 

COLOMBA    FELIERI." 

The  emotion  of  Demetrius  upon  reading  this 
letter,  was  so  great,  as  to  make  him  feel  sick  and 
faint.  He  could  not  mistake  the  generous  intention 
of  the  Duchess,  nor  refuse  to  believe  himself  suffi- 
ciently dear  to  the  Princess,  to  authorize  him  in 
hoping  she  might  resist  any  wish  of  her  uncle's,  to 
unite  her  with  another. 

At  this  ecstatic  thought,  his  heart  throbbed 
wildly.  He  held  the  insensible  paper  to  his  lips, 
and  forgot  in  the  bright  views  of  the  future,  all  his 
past  sorrows. 

The  abrupt  entrance  of  Colonel  Wurtzburgh, 
put  a  period  to  these  raptures. 

Wurtzburgh  and  he,  were  still  associates,  though 
their  excessive  intimacy  had  much  abated  :  Deme- 
trius no  longer  confided  any  thing  to  him,  and  the 
dissembling  Colonel  appeared  to  fancy  he  had  no- 
thing to  confide. 


46         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

The  face  of  Wurtzbnrgh  was  at  this  period 
a  full  of  strange  matter;"  the  first  communication 
of  which  nearly  overpowered  his  unfortunate  audi- 
tor. 

Some  prisoners  lately  brought  into  camp,  had 
recognized  the  hitherto-unknown  Republican,  as 
General  de  Fontainville,  the  husband  of  Zaire. 
The  wretched  man,  was  now  breathing  his  last,  in 
an  adjoining  tent. 

For  a  few  moments,  Demetrius  could  not 
speak  :  The  name  of  Madame  de  Fontainville,  and 
the  certainty  of  her  husband's  death,  gave  a  mortal 
blow  to  every  hope,  and  palsied  even  thought. 

The  Colonel  meanwhile,  maliciously  ran  on  with 
congratulations,  and  descriptions  of  his  friend's  fu- 
ture felicity  :  with  rejoicings  for  the  exiled  Zaire, 
and  a  multitude  of  other  expressions  equally  cruel, 
yet  equally  specious. 

At  last  Demetrius  besought  him  to  be  left  alone. 
"  My  spirits  are  very  weak  to-day,"  he  said,  u  or  I 
would  not  ask  this.  For  either  the  shock  of  grief 
or  the  shock  of  joy,  I  was  quite  unprepared. — 
Leave  me  to  ray  own  reflections.1' 

The  Colonel  seeing  the  sting  he  had  planted, 
withdrew  exultingly. 

Demetrius  sat  motionless  after  he  was  gone,  in 
the  attitude  of  profound  meditation :  his  eyes  were 
fixed  ;  and  a  frightful  calm,  stilled  the  very  pulsa- 
tion of  his  heart.     Yet  he  was  incapable  of  reason- 


-THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.  47 

ing :  his  thoughts  stretched  in  vain  to  grasp  even  a 
single  object — they  retained  nothing — ail  was  illu- 
sive— all  was  fleeting  ! 

A  confused  notion  of  being  for  ever  severed 
from  Constantia,  and  for  ever  bound  to  Madame 
de  Fontainville,  was  the  only  stationary  idea.  He 
muttered  now  and  then  to  himself,  as  if  in  a  deli- 
rium ;  and  frequently  he  smiled  :  but  it  was  the 
smile  of  despair. 

Many  hours  passed  away,  before  he  could  be 
said  to  reflect :  till  then,  his  mind  was  only  a  pas- 
sive mirror,  reflecting  a  succession  of  imperfect 
images. 

The  punishment  of  his  former  fault  now  fell 
upon  him,  in  the  completion  of  that  very  wish 
which  had  once  been  the  reigning  subject  of  all  his 
desires.  Madame  de  Fontainville  most  likely  was 
still  faithful  to  the  passion  she  had  never  promised 
to  destroy,  and  had  a  right,  therefore,  to  the  ful- 
fillment of  those  vows  which  he  had  voluntarily 
made,  but  a  few  months  back  :  nay,  was  it  not  his 
duty  thus  to  sacrifice  every  thing  to  repair  the  in- 
jury done  her  peace  ?  did  not  honour  and  gratitude, 
in  the  person  of  her  afflicted  father,  imperiously  de- 
mand this  sacrifice  ? 

Demetrius  put  another  question  to  himself, 
whi«:h  terminated  his  hesitation.  Granting  that  he 
had  conquered  his  passion  for  Zaire,  by  the  mere 
force  of  principle,  without  the  intervention  of  a 


48        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

purer  attachment,  would  he  have  debated  about 
offering  her  his  hand  : — No  !  then  he  dtight  to  de- 
bate no  longer. 

Though  assured  of  Princess  Constantia's  pre- 
ference, and  suspecting  the  intentions  of  her  illus- 
trious relative,  he  had  never  urged  his  pretensions 
beyond  their  friendship,  and  had  never  wilfully  di- 
rected a  glance  towards  Constantia  that  could  im- 
ply a  wish  for  more. 

Consoled  by  the  integrity  of  his  conduct  there, 
he  now  looked  with  a  steadier  eye  upon  his  fate : 
that  it  was  fixed  by  the  late  event  he  believed ;  but 
ere  he  wrote  to  Madame  de  Fontainville,  he  re- 
solved to  unbosom  himself  to  his  brother. 

Hitherto,  Demetrius  had  never  mentioned  the 
inhabitants  of  Felieri,  in  any  way  to  alarm  the  fra- 
ternal fears  of  Charles  :  for  a  long  time  he  had  him- 
self been  ignorant  of  the  peculiar  influence  Constan- 
tia acquired  over  him  ;  and  after  that  ignorance  was 
displaced  by  unexpected  hope,  was  with-held  by 
the  bashful  irresolution  inseparable  from  virtuous 
love. 

He  now  made  a  candid  avowal  of  all  these  cir- 
cumstances ;  beseeching  his  brother  to  weigh  im- 
partially the  different  arguments  he  urged  for  the 
step  he  meditated ;  requesting  him  to  make  the 
communication  of  General  de  Fontainville's  dc:  th 
immediately  to  the  Marquis  de  Liancour, 
learn  from  him,  whether  Zaire  retained  her  former 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         49 

sentiments  of  a  man,  who  could  still  offer  her  the 
share  of  awery  circumscribed  fortune.  Suffering- 
had  taught  Demetrius  to  bear  disappointment  with 
dignity ;  for  he  had  studied  the  self-command  and 
graceful  restraint  of  Charles,  till  he  had  learned 
how  to  practise  it.  He  no  longer  yielded  himself 
up  to  desperate  agony,  but  struggled  with  nature's 
infirmity,  and  resolved  to  endure. 

His  wound  being  healed,  he  was  now  able  to 
leave  his  tent :  and,  supported  on  the  arm  of  For- 
shiem,  was  permitted  to  breathe  the  fresh  air. 

Forshiem  observed  an  alteration  in  his  com- 
panion's spirits,  for  which  he  could  not  account; 
his  friendly  eye  frequently  traced  the  effects  of  a 
sleepless  night  in  the  total  absence  of  that  peachi- 
ness,  which  usually  enriched  his  cheek  j  but  he 
ventured  not  to  intrude  with  a  question.  The  only 
remark  his  delicacy  allowed,  was  couched  in  an 
avowal  of  the  pain  he  felt  on  seeing  him  thus  alter- 
ed ;  and  an  urgent  request  that  he  would  confide 
to  his  brother,  any  care  by.  which  he  might  be  ha- 
rassed. 

"  My  brother,"  replied  Demetrius,  "  is  indeed 
the  only  man,  to  whom  I  should  intrust  my  present 
difficulties  :  they  are  of  a  very  delicate  kind,  be- 
lieve me,  Ferdinand.  If  the  disclosure  did  not  in- 
volve many  more  besides  myself,  you  should  be 
fully  trusted.     What  grave  is   this  r"— -he  asked, 

TOL.   II,  F 


JO         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

abruptly  breaking  off,  as  his  eye  fell  on  a  new-raised 
mound. 

"  The  French  General's,"  answered  Forshiem, 
"  your  prisoner.  As  you  were  disabled  at  the  time, 
I  filled  your  place,  and  was  with  him  in  his  last 
moments." 

Demetrius  turned  very  pale,  and  hastily  drew 
his  friend  away:  but  he  pressed  his  arm  grate- 
fully, as  he  did  so,  repeating  with  much  emotion 
— "  I  thank  you  !" 

The  answer  from  Charles,  was  such  as  Deme- 
trius expected.  It  was  in  favour  of  Madame  de 
Fontainville :  but  ah !  how  unwillingly  was  that 
sentence  pronounced !  How  many  tender  expres- 
sions of  love  and  pity,  how  many  consolations  and 
praises  were  mingled  with  it!  He  conjured  his 
brother  to  be  sincere  with  the  Duchess  di  Felieri ; 
and  without  disclosing  the  past  indiscretion  of  Zaire, 
without  appearing  to  have  imbibed  any  presumptu- 
ous hopes  from  the  graciousness  of  Princess  C^n- 
stantia,  completely  to  explain  his  present  engage- 
ment, with  Madame  de  Fontainville. 

The  last  dependence  of  Demetrius,  was  destroy- 
ed by  this  letter.  He  had  secretly  hoped,  that 
Charles  might,  from  various  motives,  have  conceal- 
ed what  could  now  produce  no  pain, — a  change  in 
Zaire's  heart ;  and  he  was,  therefore,  completely 
overcome  when  he  read  this  assurance  of  her  con- 
stancy. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         51 

"  Wretch  that  I  am  !"  he  exclaimed,  "  was  she 
not  dearer  to  me,  alas!  than  my  own  soul? — did  I 
not  swear  to  love  her,  even  in  the  agonies  of  death? 
— was  I  not  ready  to  relinquish,  for  her  sake,  the 
person  who  ought  to  have  been  dearest  to  me  on 
earth,  my  brother,  my  benefactor ! — and  do  I  now 
shudder  at  the  prospect  of  possessing  her  for  ever?" 

He  thought  of  Constantia  ;  in  spite  of  every 
resolve,  he  thought  of  her  :  and  when  he  pictured 
the  shock  this  discovery  would  give  to  her  reverend 
relative,  the  deeper  wound  it  would  inflict  upon 
her  innocent  heart,  he  was  not  master  of  his  feel- 
ings. 

The  Campaign  now  drew  to  a  close  :  and  De- 
metrius, released  from  active  service,  and  deprived 
of  Forshiem,  (whose  regiment  was  ordered  into 
different  cantonments,)  had  leisure  to  muse  even  to 
madness. 

He  was  waiting  for  the  reply  of  De  Liancour, 
to  his  brother's  letter,  before  he  could  bripg  him- 
self to  write  the  one,  so  much  dreaded,  to  Felieri, 
when  an  express  from  thence  reached  the  camp,  in 
the  middle  of  an  inclement  night. 

The  Duchess  had  been  struck  with  a  paralytic 
affection,  from  which  it  was  likely  she  would  never 
recover ;  and  her  distracted  grandchild  now  sent 
for  Demetrius,  at  her  particular  request. 

Upon  such  an  occasion  the  usual  military  rules 


52         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

were  dispensed  with  ;  the  General  allowed  his  Aid- 
de-camp,  ten  days'  leave  ;  and  the  latter,  still  weak 
and  feeble,  commenced  his  sad  journey  to  the  Tre- 
visane. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        53 


CHAP.  III. 


IN  returning  to  take. a  short  review  of  the  elder 
Count  Leopolstat,  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  say- 
more  of  his  military  operations,  than  that  he  rejoin- 
ed the  Archduke  in  the  middle  of  August;  pro- 
ceeded with  him  into  the  Palatinate;  bore  a  distin- 
guished part  in  the  brilliant  affairs  at  Neckau  and 
Manheim  ;  and  was  with  him  on  the  skirts  of  the 
Black  Forest,  when  the  disastrous  reverses  in  Swit- 
zerland, and  the  impossibility  of  making  a  winter 
campaign  among  its  masses  of  ice,  checked  the 
triumph  of  success. 

In  the  lively  interest  excited  by  these  events, 
and  the  important  views  which  they  opened  of  the 
future,  Charles  often  forgot  his  own  private  ills. 
Warmly  attached  to  the  irreproachable  Prince  under 
whom  he  served,  as  well  as  to  their  just  cause,  his 
mind  entered  with  earnestness  into  that  Prince's 
councils.  Demetrius  acquiring  honour,  and  restored 
to  cheerfulness,  was  a  soothing  object  for  his  mind 
to  rest  on  j  it  was  "the  soft  green  of  his  soul,"  to 

f  2 


54         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

which  it  turned,  after  political  speculations,  that  both 
wearied  and  alarmed. 

Adelaide  Ingersdorf  was  still  remembered  :  no 
cares,  no  occupations  could  drive  her  from  his  heart, 
though  they  often  succeeded  in  banishing  her  awhile 
from  his  memory. 

In  her,  he  had  found  every  quality,  desired  by 
a  taste  and  a  sensibility,  which  some  persons  might 
h;ive  termed  fastidious.  With  an  understanding 
cultivated  beyond  her  sex;  a  heart  softly  tempered, 
yet  yielding  only  to  the  hand  of  Reason  ;  a  beauty 
made  more  captivating  by  elegant  accomplishments, 
she  was  modest  even  to  bashfulness :  Charles  prized 
her  for  this  fault ;  and  had  often,  (while  seeing  her 
shrink  from  the  assiduity  of  admissible  admiration); 
said  to  himself — u  How  few  women  there  are,  that, 
capable  of  charming  all  men,  are.  content  with  en- 
dearing themselves  to  one  only!" 

Among  the  romantic  splendour  of  Switzerland, 
he  had  sighed  for  her :  And  now,  on  the  shores  of 
the  Rhine,  where  more  leisure  allowed  him  to  muse 
over  the  past,  he  sunk  into  a  sadness,  of  which  he 
was  himself  scarcely  conscious. 

He  was  one  night  sitting  over  a  book,  (of  which, 
certainly,  he  had  not  read  a  single  syllable),  when 
his  servant  brought  him  a  lcter.  It  was  from  his 
incognita.  The  calmness  with  which  he  opened  it, 
quickh   vanish:  d. 

A  few  lines,  appointing  a  meeting,  made  his 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         S3 

heart  palpitate  with  expectation :  Now  was  going 
to  be  developed  that  mystery,  which  had  for  five 
years  given  him  both  pain  and  pleasure.  Yet  what 
could  he  hope  from  it,  when  his  affections  were  un- 
alienably  fixed  upon  another,  and  this  generous  un- 
known evidently  relied  on  obtaining  themr — at  any 
rate,  he  thought  curiosity  would  be  relieved ;  and 
perhaps  a  candid  explanation  of  his  situation,  might 
secure  to  him  the  friendship  of  one,  who  seemed 
formed  for  a  noble  disinterested  sentiment. 

Till  this  moment  arrived,  Charles  never  ima- 
gined it  would  agitate  him.  Whether  saddened 
spirits  had  affected  his  nerves  j  or  whether  he  un- 
consciously hoped  to  find  in  his  incognita  one  that 
would  at  last  reconcile  him  to  the  loss  of  Adelaide, 
is  uncertain ;  but  agitated  he  was,  beyond  all  de- 
scription. 

He  could  not  sleep  once  through  the  whole 
night :  and  the  next  day,  went  over  the  routine  of 
his  usual  employments,  with  a  mind  completely  dis- 
trait. 

The  night  was  bright  and  calm,  (though  No- 
vember was  far  advanced)  when  Charles  mounted 
his  horse  at  the  specified  hour,  and  took  the  road  to 
the  chateau  of  a  neighbouring  Canon,  where  his 
rendezvous  was  appointed. 

Three  miles,  seemed  thirty,  as  he  galloped  over 
tht  m  ;  and  yet,  when  he  reached  the  place,  it  ap- 
peared to  him  as  if  he  had  flown !   His  heart  now 


36         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

palpitated  with  such  violence,  that  he  almost  wish- 
ed for  a  respite  from  what  he  once  passionately  de- 
sired. 

A  servant  received  him  at  the  gate ;  and  upon 
hearing  his  name,  bowed  respectfully,  and  led  him 
across  a  hall :  He  then  threw  open  the  door  of  a 
room,  which  Charles  entered,  and  beheld  Marshal 
Ingersdorf. 

The  expression  of  the  veteran's  countenance, 
would  not  suffer  him  to  believe  the  meeting  acci- 
dental :  a  multitude  of  hopes  and  fears,  wild  and 
delightful,  electrified  him  at  the  sight.  He  was  un- 
able to  speak  or  to  move.  The  Marshal  rushed 
forwards,  and  with  his  usual  impetuosity  caught 
him  in  his  arms,  vehemently  exclaiming,  "  My  dear 
Leopolstat ! — my  friend  ! — my  son !  if  you  will  be- 
come so." 

"  Am  I  so  happy,"  cried  Charles,  .(scarcely  trust- 
ing his  bewildered  senses) ;  "  am  I  so  happy  as  to 
find  my  incognita  in  Marshal  Ingerdorf !" 

"Yes! — yes!"  resumed  the  Marshal,  repeat- 
edly squeezing  his  hand,  "  you  see  that  will-o'- 
the-wisp,  now  before  you. — Only  tell  me  that  you 
forgive  my  eccentric  impertinence  ;  and  that  you  will 
allow  me  to  dispose  of  your  heart  and  yourself  f" 

"  O  Sir! O  Heaven  what  am   I  to  think — 

what  hoper" — exclaimed  Charles,  sinking  involun- 
tarily upon  one  knee. 

His  fine  face  and  eyes,  brightly  flushed  with 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         57 

doubtful  joy,  were  now  raised  to  the  Marshal :  the 
latter  gazed  on  him,  with  overflowing  delight. 

"  I  know  you  love,"  he  cried,  u  I  know  you 
would  have  chosen  Adelaide,  had  she  been  born  a 
beggar  : — -she  is  your's  then.  I  meant  her  for  you 
all  along.  Forshiem  is  a  worthy  lad — he  knew  my 
scheme." 

The  old  gentleman  could  hardly  articulate  these 
abrupt  sentences,  from  excess  of  pleasure.  Leo- 
polstat  was  quite  over-powered :  he  felt  like  a  man 
who  after  living  half  a  century  in  a  dungeon,  is 
snddenly  brought  into  day-light.  In  silence,  elo- 
quent silence,  he  pressed  the  shaking  hands  of  the 
Marshal  to  his  lips  and  breast :  the  first  words  he 
uttered  were  an  anxious  inquiry  of  Adelaide's  sen- 
timents. 

Marshal  Ingersdorf  was  then  going  to  hurry 
forth  an  animated  assurance  of  her  attachment ; 
when  suddenly  recollecting  what  was  due  to  female 
delicacy,  he  said  archly — "  She  don't  hate  you,  that's 
all : — whether  she  likes  you  or  not,  I  leave  you  to 
discover,  the  first  time  you  are  alone  together.  But 
come,  rise  from  the  ground,  which  the  knee  of  a  sol- 
dier should  never  touch,  but  to  his  Maker.  Let  us 
sit  down  and  talk  over  the  matter :  you  must  long- 
to  hear  my  reasons." 

"  I  do  long,  Sir,"  returned  the  fluttered  Charles, 
and  his  eager  soul,  sprung  to  Adelaide.  To  throw 
himself  at  her  feet,  (spite  of  her  father's  remark)  to 


58  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

pour  out  all  the  tenderness  which  he  had  hitherto  so 
painfully  restrained,  to  receive  from  her  lips  the 
confirmation  of  what  her  down-cast  eyes  had  so 
often  toid  him,  was  now  his  liveliest  emotion ;  he 
scarcely  wanted  explanations,  while  certain  that  the 
mystery  had  terminated  in  rapture. 

His  animated  glances  were  constantly  directed 
towards  the  door,  as  if  in  search  of  her. 

u  J  see  what  you  are  thinking  about ;"  resumed 
the  veteran,  "  and  to  quiet  you,  protest  that  my 
daughter  is  not  in  this  house.  To-morrow  morn- 
ing she  will  be  here,  with  my  good  host's  sister." 

u  To-morrow  morning  ! " repeated  Charles, 

and  away  flew  his  thoughts  again,  from  the  Mar- 
shal's explanations,  with  more  than  their  former  ra- 
pidity. 

u  I  am  likely  to  have  but  a  sorry  auditor  in 
you,"  cried  Ingersdorf,  "  why  you  puppy,  what 
sort  of  a  gratitude  is  this  I  After  all  the  pains  and 
vexations  I  have  encountered  to  keep  this  girl  se- 
cluded, ever  since  she  wras  fifteen,  only  to  fall  in  love 
with  you,  am  I  not  to  be  gratified  with  a  patient 
hearing  of  the  only  romance  I  ever  concocted  in  my 

life  r 

u  Pardon  me — pardon  me,  dearest  Sir  !"  replied 
Charles,  glowing  with  graceful  confusion  ;  "  I  have 
indeed  shamefully  forgotten  to  thank  you,  for  such 
unmerited,  transporting  goodness  !— -  How  could  I 
have  become  thus  interesting  to  you  ? — how  is  it 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         59 

possible,  that  such  a  treasure  has  been  long  destin- 
ed for  me  r" 

"  Both  these  hows,  I'll  answer  satisfactorily," 
returned  the  Marshal,  "  if  you  will  only  gag  your- 
self, with  a  little  composure.  Zounds  !  you  are  as 
talkative  now,  as  you  were  mute  a  few  minutes  ago ! 
— Can  you  be  silent? — Can  your  thoughts  leave 
off  chattering  to  one  another  \ — Can  you  listen  calm- 
ly r" 

"  Willingly,  Sir,  most  willingly,"  was  the  re- 
ply of  Leopolstat,  though  his  kindling  eyes  and 
throbbing  pulse  refused  to  sanction  this  promise. 
The  Marshal  saw  his  agitation,  with  complacent 
satisfaction :  but  without  noticing  it  further,  filled 
out  two  bumpers  of  Burgundy,  and  pledging  his  in- 
tended son  in  one  of  them,  began  his  rambling  ora- 
tion. 

u  The  first  time  I  heard  of  you,  was  in  the  year 
ninety-four,  at  a  little  Inn,  in  Alsace.  I  was  re- 
turning from  head-cuiarters,  where  I  had  been  to 
visit  my  old  friend  VVurmser,  when  alighting  for 
some  refreshment,  I  found  all  the  inhabitants  of  the 
village,  discussing  the  merits  of  a  young  officer, 
who  had  just  passed  through  with  a  detachment. 

It  had  happened,  tfrat  a  merciless   steward  was 
at  that  very   moment,   dragging  to  prison   a  poor 
farmer,  whom  sickness  and  accidents  had  made  in- 
capable of  paying  his  rent,  and  whose   wife  and. 
children  he  had  already  turned  out  of  doors. 


60        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

"  You  remember  the  circumstance,"  added  the 
Marshal,  seeing  Charles  about  to  interrupt  him ; 
M  but  I'll  not  be  broken  in  on.  I  heard  that  he  had 
learned  the  particulars,  and  unable  to  produce  the 
exact  sum,  himself,  had  borrowed  part  from  his 
Captain.  Well  may  the  drops  of  honest  pleasure^ 
now  glisten  in  your  eyes,  my  dear  Charles !  mine, 
nearly  overflowed,  while  I  listened  to  the  animated 
praises  of  the  country  people. 

u  I  seemed  to  see  the  handsome  youth  they  de- 
scribed, leading  two  innocent  babes  in  his  hand 
under  the  lowly  roof  of  the  farm,  and  assuring  the 
grateful  couple,  that  in  permitting  him  to  restore 
them  to  their  home,  they  had  given  him  the  sin- 
cerest  delight  he  ever  felt. 

"  On  hearing  your  name,  I  became  still  more 
interested  in  you.  Once  in  an  attack  of  robbers 
among  the  Appenines,  my  life  had  been  saved  by 
your  father." 

"  My. father!"  cried  Leopolstat,  and  a  strange 
pang  of  anguish  and  pleasure  seized  his  heart. 

u  Yes,  your  father  ;  he  had  some  fine  qualities : 
bravery  was  one.  Till  now,  we  were  strangers, 
but  after  that,  we  became  intimate  :  that,  however, 
ended  ;  no  matter  how — he  was  fond  of  gaiety,  I  of 
retirement :  but  to  return  to  yourself, 

"  From  the  day  I  spoke  of,  I  hankered  after 
vou:  my  whimsical  old  brain  was  often  thinking 
bow  it  could   serve  or  please   you.     At  last  upon 


TIIE*HUNGARIAN  brothers.  61 

hearing    about    your    gallant    rescue    of    General 
I  projected  my  romantic  plan. 

u  Such  a  plan,  would  never  have  entered  any 
head,  but  that  of  an  antiquated,  romance-reader, 
like  myself.  For  to  shew  you  what  a  fool  of  a 
father-in-law,  you  are  about  to  have,  I  must  own, 
that  I  am  as  greedy  a  devourer  of  novels  and  le- 
gends, as  ever  I  was  at  fourteen.  At  first,  I  meant 
to  go  no  further,  than  sending  you  a  few  presents 
and  letters  :  then  to  discover  myself,  and  take  you 
finder  my  wing  for  life. 

"  But  when  I  reflected  on  the  wholesome  disci- 
pline which  the  world  gives  every  young  man  with- 
out money  or  patrons  ;  and  how  much,  independ- 
ence and  energy  are  nourished  by  a  certainty  of  de- 
pending -solely  on  one's  own  powers;  when  I  scru- 
tinized your  conduct,  and  found  it  so  nobly  up- 
right ;  1  thought  my  happiness  and  my  daughter's 
.would  be  secured,  and  your's  not  injured,  if  I  could 
manage  to  make  you  my  son." 

"  Dear,  dear  Sir!"  exclaimed  Charles,  wring- 
ing his  hand,  with  unutterable  gratitude. 

Returning  the  friendly  pressure,  ingersdorf  re- 
sumed. 

lost  ably,  had  I  manoeuvred,  in  my  own  opi- 
nion, by  writing  my  letters,  so  equivocally,  as  to 
leuve  it  dubious,  whether  the  writer  were  a  man  or 
a  woman  :   most  contidentiy  did  I  reckon  upon  this 

VOL.  II.  G 


62         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTUERS. 

mystery  occupying  your  heart  so  much,  as  to  leave 
no  room  for  another  object. 

"  What  a  blow  then,  did  I  receive,  when  I 
heard  of  your  engagements  at  Mantua !  It  was 
many  days  before  I  recovered  myself  sufficiently  to 
address  you  again :  but  I  could  not  hesitate  about 
how  that  should  be.  You  were  still  dear  to  me  ; 
and  Adelaide,  believing  herself  destined  for  For- 
shiem,  had  never  heard  me  breathe  your  name." 

Here,  the  Marshal  hesitated ;  not  knowing 
how  to  advert  to  the  death  of  Signora  Berghi ;  he 
therefore  left  a  chasm  in  his  narrative,  resuming  it 
thus : 

"  It  had  been  my  intention  to  send  Adelaide  to 
her  aunt's  at  Vienna,  as  soon  as  the  Italian  cam- 
paign should  finish  ;  and  then  to  scheme  again,  that 
you  might  be  introduced  to  my  brother. 

u  I  had  no  doubt  of  your  falling  in  love  with 
Adelaide,  so  charming  as  she  is:  and  if  she  had 
been  odious,  my  sanguine  temper,  would  have 
made  the  thing  equally  probable  ;  I  was  therefore 
transported,  when  Providence  brought  you  ac- 
quainted "n  so  interesting  away:  when  it  insured 
to  you,  the  regard  of  my  brother,  and  gave  you  op- 
portunity of  mutually  estimating  the  excellencies 
of  each  other. 

u  Knowing  the  state  of  your  heart,  and  shrewd- 
ly guessing  at  what  would  soon  be  Adelaide's,  (for 
T  had  educated  her  to  admire  such  a  character  as 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         60 

your's;  and  had  forced  her  from  any  other  attach- 
ment, by  keeping  her  in  a  convent)  :  I  resolved  to 
remain  quiet,  till  her  artless  letters,  and  the  more 
circumstantial  ones  of  the  Baron,  should  have  con- 
vinced me  that  my  scheme  was  ripe. 

"  Just  as  I  was  preparing  to  terminate  your 
suspense,  that  cursed  law-suit  commenced,  and  my 
hopes,  seemed  on  the  point  of  being  hurled  into  the 
gulph  of  destruction. 

u  You  know  how  long  it  has  annoyed  me ;  but 
it  is  now  over  ;  and  I  can  give  you  my  Adelaide, 
with  the  fortune  I  first  intende :d." 

Every  person  that  either  is  in  love,  or  has  been 
in  love,  will  imagine  the  disinterested  expressions 
of  Charles  :  they  were  as  sincere  as  they  were  ar- 
dent;  and  made  the  father's  eyes,  sparkle  with  joy. 

"  Ah  !  you  may  well  thank  your  old,  silly  in- 
cognita :"  cried  he,  "  you  know  not  what  trouble  he 
has  had,  to  bring  this  hopeful  vessel  into  a  safe 
harbour.  Forshiem,  was  at  first,  the  most  obliging, 
tractable  creature  under  the  sun:  he  admitted  the 
obligation  I  was  under,  thus  to  recompense  the  son 
of  a  man  to  whom  I  owed  my  life ;  he  saw  the  har- 
monious justice  of  giving  a  gallant,  poor  fellow,  a 
rich  wife,  that  knew  how  to  value  him  :  and  he  was 
so  ready  to  be  my  Aid-de-camp,  in  the  affair  ! — so 
obedient  to  orders ! — but,  lack-a-day,  my  young 
gentleman  chose  to  fall  in  love,  with  an  Italian  rus- 
tic j  and  then  came  intreaties,  and  expostulations, 


64         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

and  threats  of  marrying,  before  I  could  turn  my- 
self round :  then  my  hero,  grew  eloquent  for  your 
sake  ;  then  he  professed  to  know  by  sad  experience, 
the  misery  of  protracted  hopes,  conjuring  me  to 
end  your  sorrows  immediately. 

u  I  was  thunderstruck.  For  in  the  haste  with 
which  I  pursued  my  favourite  object,  I  never  took 
into  the  account,  these  annoying  stumbling-blocks. 
However,  Forshiem  got  me  to  promise,  that  if  my 
law -suit  were  still  pending,  when  the  army  went  into 
winter-quarters,  I  would  give  him  leave  to  reveal 
Adelaide's  freedom,  by  marrying  his  pretty  Loren- 
za." 

"  Amiable  Forshiem !"  cried  Charles,  "  how 
much  do  I  owe  him  !" 

u  But  you  doi\'t  know  yet,  half  the  amusing  in- 
cidents for  which  you  are  indebted  to  me  ;"  said 
the  Marshal,  ado  you  remember  the  Signora  Al- 
hertinii" 

A  stronger  tide  of  blood,  rushed  to  the  face  of 
Leopolstat,  at  this  unexpected  question. 

"  Egregious  puppy  !  you  -have  no  reason  to 
blush  ;"  resumed  his  friend — "  no,  you  have  a  right 
to  triumph.  Few  young  men  can  resist  like  you,  the 
syren  charms  of  beauty,  accomplishment,  and  well- 
acted  tenderness.  Yet,  I  dare  say  it  was  not  merely 
acted,  after  she  saw  you." 

"  Had  she  never  seen  me  before  !"  exclaimed 
the  astonished  Charles. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         65 

"  No,  on  my  honour!—-  projected  the  whole 
affair.  I  knew  her  for  the  most  avaricious  wretch 
alive,  and  I  bribed  her  into  this  trial  of  your  princi- 
ples. Do  you  blame  me,  for  thus  proving  in  every 
way,  the  man  in  whose  care  I  sought  to  repose  the 
treasure  of  my  heart  r" 

u  So  far  from  it;"  cried  Leopolstat,  "  that  a 
whole  life  spent  in  striving  to  grow  worthy  of  such  a 
trust,  will  never  be  enough  to  shew  my  gratitude." 

After  this  complete  explanation,  the  conversa- 
tion flowed  over  the  past  and  future  :  each  had  mi- 
nute descriptions  to  give  of  their  mutual  feelings 
upon  particular  events  ;  and  each  loved  to  dwell 
upon  the  graces  of  Adelaide. 

As  she  was  to  be  at  the  chateau  the  next  morn- 
ing, Charles  before  he  departed,  obtained  permission 
to  visit  there  at  an  early  hour. 

Scarcely  had  Mam'selle  de  Ingersdorf  alighted 
from  the  carriage  which  conveyed  her  to  the  chateau 
Balzac,  ere  the  Marshal  informed  her,  that  she 
would  see  an  old  friend  very  soon. 

The  blood  brightly  painted  her  cheeks,  when  he 
mentioned  their  visitor's  name. 

Adelaide  was  ignorant  of  the  real  motive  for  a 
journey,  which  she  had  undertaken  solely  to  oblige 
her  father,  and  now,  was  far  from  conjecturing  its 
probable  termination  :  yet  she  trembled  with  urale- 
fmable  joy  ;    eagerly   anticipating   the   moment   in 

G2 


66         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

which  her  eyes  would  again  behold  their  best,  and 
dearest  object. 

Marshal  Ingersdorf  had  never  once  hinted,  the 
peculiar  interest  he  took  in  Charles,  nor  the  views  he 
entertained  for  him  :  but  willing  to  give  his  daugh- 
ter's attachment  a  little  hope  to  feed  on,  he  assured 
her,  (on  her  removal  from  Vienna,)  that  she  should 
never  be  the  wife  of  Count  Forshiem,  unless  she 
preferred  him  to  the  whole  world  :  that  if  she  wrould 
wait  the  conclusion  of  the  eventful  law-suit  and  the 
campaign,  she  should  then  have  an  opportunity  of 
stud}  ing  her  destined  husband's  character,  and  be 
left  at  liberty  to  accept  or  to  reject  him. 

So  indulgent  an  assurance,  would  have  led  Ade- 
laide immediately  to  confess  the  state  of  her  heart, 
had  not  delicacy  shrunk  from  the  pain  of  avowing 
even  to  a  parent,  the  excess  of  an  affection  that  had 
never  been  claimed  by  its  object.  Relying  on  the 
goodness  of  Providence,  on  the  apparent  preference 
of  Charles,  and  the  prospect  of  renewing  their  for- 
mer intimacy,  after  her  engagement  with  forshiem 
should  be  avowedly  dissolved,  she  cheerfully  acqui- 
esced in  her  father's  wishes  ;  and  found  uncertainty, 
a  mental  Paradise,  when  contrasted  with  her  late 
despair. 

In  what  rapid  tides  did  the  blood  now  flow  thro' 
her  veins  !  her  ardent  complexion  became  enriched 
with  a  s  ner  crimson  ;  and  her  dazzling  < 

(vv'Iiose  colour  and  lucidity,  united  the  two, extremes 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         67 

of  light  and  darkness  ; )  were  more  than  effulgent. 
They  were  brightly  flashing  over  her  companions  at 
the  breakfast-table,  when  a  servant  announced  Count 
Leopolstat. 

At  the  sound  of  a  name,  which  was  never  pro- 
nounced without  bringing  before  her,  the  loveliest 
countenance  that  ever  proclaimed  a  lovely  soul,  she 
almost  closed  these  brilliant  eyes  ;  as  if  seeing,  and 
hearing  Charles,  at  the  same  moment,  would  be  bliss 
too  much.  He  saw  nothing  but  hrr  :  and  he  saw  in 
her  trembling  agitation,  all  that  his  fond  heart  de- 
sired. 

The  Marshal,  who  had  settled  the  plan  of  ope- 
rations, with  his  future  son-in-law,  soon  contrived 
to  break  up  the  breakfast  party :  he  pronounced  the 
day  delightful,  and  the  prospect  from  a  window  into 
the  garden,  so  alluring,  that  he  begged  permission 
to  breathe  the  air  there,  with  his  friend.  Adelaide 
of  course  was  included  in  this  association  ;  which 
was  not  likely  to  be  enlarged,  as  Monsieur  Balzac 
had  the  gout,  and  his  sister  never  disturbed  diges- 
tion after  a  meal. 

The  considerate  Marshal  was  so  anxious  to  dis- 
sipate his  daughter's  confusion,  by  drawing  her  into 
lively  conversation,  that  he  walked  twice  round  the 
great  garden,  before  he  observed  that  Charles  was 
heartily  wishing  him  at  the  Antipodes. — He  then 
abruptly  stopped  at  the  door  of  a  pavilion,  where  he 
bid  his  daughter  rest  herself  under  the  protection  of 


68         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

Count  Leopolstat,  while  he  took  a  brisker  circuit 
through  the  walks. 

Adelaide  had  not  leisure  to  wonder  at  this 
strange  conduct:  for  her  attention  was  instantly  ab- 
sorbed by  the  ardent  impatience  of  Charles,  who 
soon  won  from  her,  a  declaration  of  mutual  prefer- 
ence. 

Sweet  to  him,  was  the  bashful  apprehensiveness, 
with  which  she  gradually  discovered  the  whole  of 
her  past  feelings. — The  fearful,  trembling  Adelaide, 
blushing  at  her  own  confessions,  averting  her  glow- 
ing eyes  from  his,  and  shrinking  from  the  involun- 
tary transport  with  which  he  now  pressed  her  in  his 
arms,  was  to  him  an  object  at  once  of  the  tenderest 
love,  and  the  profoundest  respect.  Seeing  in  her, 
the  chosen  companion  of  his  future  days,  the  be- 
loved sharer  of  eternity,  his  heart  throbbed  with  a 
sacred  joy,  which  beaming  from  his  countenance, 
spoke  peace  to  the  timid  delicacy  of  Adelaide. 

It  wras  now,  that  each  felt  the  reward  of  their 
past  sufferings: — it  was  now  that,  looking  back  with 
exultation  upon  their  sincere  endeavours  to  follow 
the  path  marked  out  by  duty,  they  indulged  in  pre- 
sent happiness,  without  apprehension  or  regret. 

What  Adelaide  owed  to  the  eccentric  goodness 
of  her  father,  gave  a  new  charm  to  the  ties  of  parent 
and  child:  and  at  this  moment  she  acquired  Irish 
delight,  by  gaining  additional  motives  for  loving  two 
persons,  already  dearer  to  her  than  life. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         69 

The  Marshal  met  his  young  companions  at  the 
e-ntrance  of  the  house ;  Adelaide  fervently  returned 
the  kiss  he  pressed  on  her  burning  cheek,  and  whis- 
pered out  a  blessing  for  his  kindness.  She  then 
broke  away,  to  thank  a  Mightier  Parent,  whose 
smallest;  mercies,  were  never  suffered  by  her,  to  pass 
unacknowledged. 

It  may  be  conjectured,  that  Leopolstat  did  not 
leave  Balzac,  until  he  had  obtained  the  Marshal's 
promise  of  remaining  under  its  hospitable  roof,  dur- 
ing the  suspension  of  hostilities  :  nay,  he  ventured 
to  glance  at  the  hope  of  being  confirmed  in  his  hap- 
piness, by  the  gift  of  Adelaide's  hand,  long  before 
military  duty  should  again  call  him  into  actual  ser- 
vice. 

Trie  veteran  did  not  blame  this  natural  impa- 
tience :  confessing,  that  since  he  had  served  nearly 
half  the  time  for  his  daughter,  which  Jacob  did  for 
Laban's,  he  might  very  fairly  urge  this,  otherwise, 
unreasonable  request.  Promising  to  plead  his  cause 
himself,  he  then  dismissed  the  young  Count,  wrho 
returned  to  head  quarters,  with  an  overflowing 
heart. 

So  many  delightful  recollections  and  anticipa- 
tions crowded  through  the  mind  of  Charles,  that  it 
was  long  ere  he  <:ould  compose  himself  sufficiently 
to  dictate  a  letter  of  gratitude  to  Forshiem,  and  one 
of  a  tenderer  character  to  Demetrius. 

Thought  of  the  latter  was  so  associated  with  all 


70  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTH! 

his  cares  or  pleasures,  that  till  joy  was  commu- 
nicated to  him,  it  was  but  an  imperfect  joy  lor 
Charles. 

Believing-  his  brother  nearly  cured  of  Kis  fatal 
attachment  to  Madame  de  Fontainvilie,  and  re- 
posing securely  on  the  soothing  friendship  of  the 
Duchess  di  Felieri,  he  now  wrote  him  an  animated 
account  of  his  present  good  fortune  :  adding  to  it,  a 
proposal,  that  during  the  winter  recess,  they  should 
endeavour  to  be  once  more  established  in  the  same 
regiment. 

Demetrius  had  often  expressed  such  a  wish,  in 
which  Charles  earnestly  participated:  and  now  that 
he  was  become  certain  of  his  illustrious  Comman- 
der's favour,  he  resolved  to  use  that  favoftr  in  ob- 
taining so  desirable  an  object. 

Scarcely  had  our  hero  finished  this  letter,  ere  he 
received  that  one  from  Demetrius  in  which  the 
events  of  his  far-different  fate,  were  detailed. 

With  grief,  surprize,  pity,  and  apprehension, 
did  Charles  peruse  it!  Though  he  had  himself  uni- 
formly avoided  what  are  falsely  termed  affairs  of 
honour,  he  knew  not  how  to  blame  his  brother  for 
meeting  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg.  It  would  have 
been  better,  indeed,  had  he  refused  to  sanction  such 
an  odious  practice  as  duelling,  in  any  way ;  but 
how  was  it  to  be  expected  from  a  youth  of  nine- 
teen, thus  to  stifle  honest  indignation  at  tyrannical 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         71 

arrogance,   merely  by  reflecting  on  the  force  of  ex- 
ample ? 

The  new  attachment  of  Demetrius,  afflicted 
witout  displeasing  his  brother.  The  progress  of  it, 
described  simply,  yet  powerfully,  had  been  so  gra- 
dual, and  so  evidently  encouraged  by  the  Duchess, 
that  even  a  Cynic  would  have  found  it  difficult  to 
have  condemned  Demetrius. 

The  character  of  this  attachment  was  so  amia- 
ble ;  its  ground  so  laudable ;  the  happiness  it  seem- 
ed fraught  with,  (if  not  cruelly  thwarted)  so  perfect 
and  so  pure:  The  prospect  it  opened,  so  brilliant ; 
(for  Charles  had  the  weakness  of  humanity  and  was 
ambitious  for  this  beloved  brother) :  that  at  the  de- 
struction of  all  its  views,  his  own  happiness  vanish- 
ed from  his  eyes. 

Such  heavy  sighs,  as  he  had  lately  hoped  never 
to  draw  again,  now  came  from  his  oppressed  heart : 
he  re-perused  the  letter ;  remembered  Madame  de 
Fontainville,  and  was  wretched. 

The  correspondence  of  the  Marquis  de  Lian- 
cour,  had  uniformly  lamented  the  rooted  passion  of 
his  daughter,  whose  constancy  had  withstood  all  the 
attacks  of  time,  absence,  and  reflection.  She  still 
persisted  in  believing  her  heart  incurable  ;  rather 
deepening  the  wound,  by  giving  herself  up  to  soli- 
tude, than  striving  to  heal  it,  in  rational  societv. 

That  Demetrius  had  wilfully  created  this  infa- 
tuated sentiment,  and  had  therefore,  been  guiltv  of 


72  Tin:  Hungarian  brothers. 

poisoning  the  existence  of  Zaire  and  her  father,  nay 
of  seducing  her  soul  from  virtue,  was  but  too  cer- 
tain :  for  so  great  an  injury,  a  compensation  was 
due;  and  that  compensation  must  be  the  sacrifice  of 
all  Demetrius's  present  wishes. 

Charles,  saw  no  other  path  for  his  brother:  co- 
vered as  it  was,  with  thorns,  he  yet  pronounced 
it  inevitable.  For,  to  the  upright  conscience  of 
Charles,  the  voice  of  Integrity,  was  ever  the  voice 
of  Fate. 

A  sentence  of  banishment  from  Princess  Con- 
stantia,  was  unwillingly  given  in  his  answer  to  De- 
metrius. He  then  destroyed  his  former  letter ; 
fearing  to  mingle  with  so  painful  a  subject,  that 
communication  which  at  another  period  would  have 
been  warmly  welcomed. 

After  this,  Leopolstat  sought  consolation  from 
Adelaide: —  le  hastened  to  Balzac,  and  fortunately 
found  her  alone. 

How  watchful  is  love  ! — How  easily  does  its 
slightest  glance  perceive  an  alteration-  in  the  object 
beloved !  The  mere  sound  of  his  voice  as  he  spoke 
to  a  servant  without,  convinced  Adelaide  that  her 
Charles  was  afflicted. 

Her  raised  eves,  full  of  tender  anxiety,  momen- 
tarilv  charmed  away  his  care:  but  it  returned  again, 
with  unabated  pain,  till  he  had  imparted  it  to  her. 
Then  was  he   indeed  consoled  ! — consoled  by  the 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         7'o 

sight  of  new  beauties  in  her  equally  fond  and  gene- 
rous heart. 

Adelaide  pitied   Madame  de  Fontainville,  but 

she  could  not  conceive  how  the  destiny  of  that  un- 
fortunate woman,  was  to  be  ameliorated  by  the 
empty  possession  of  a  name,  without  the  reality. 
Nay,  to  judge  her  feelings  by  her  own,  she  believed 
that  to  know  herself  the  sole  obstacle  between  hap- 
piness and  the  man  she  loved,  would  be  the  severest 
misery  she  could  endure. 

Adelaide  did  not  wantonly  betray  her  friend's 
confidence  ;  but  Charles  found  that  whenever  she 
spoke  of  Princess  Constantia,  her  emotion  visibly 
increased. 

Sadlv  sighing,  the  Count  held  her  soft  hand  to 
his  lips,  and  then  said,  "  All  our  wishes,  I  see  tend 
the  same  way ;  and  all  our  notions  of  right  oppose 
them. — The  lovely  suggestions  of  delicacy,  cannot 
prevent  you  from  acknowledging  the  rule  that  ought 
to  guide  Demetrius:  he  must  act  in  conformity  with 
principle;  Madame  de  Fontainville  may  follow  your 
guide. 

"  Yet  how  delightful  are  such  just  sentiments, 
to  the  man  whom  my  Adelaide  honours  with  her 
preference !  how  does  he  glory  in  the  possession  of 
a  heart  so  governed!" 

Charles  was  then  proceeding  to  repeat,  (what 
seems   \o  repetition  to  a  lover),  expressions  of  ad- 

VOL.   II.  H 


74         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

miration,  gratitude,  and  rapture,  when  the  Baron 
and  the  Canon  abruptly  entered. 

Mr.  Balzac  was  an  agreeable  old  gentleman  that 
never  asked  impertinent  questions,  or  looked  imper- 
tinent remarks ;  he  therefore,  appeared  to  see  no- 
thing particular,  in  the  visible  assiduity  of  the  young 
Count,  but  considerately  engaged  the  lively  Mar- 
shal, in  a  hot  dispute. 

Charles  dined  at  Balzac,  where  some  English- 
men met  also  :  in  compliment  to  whom,  the  Canon 
followed  their  country's  fashion,  of  sitting  long 
after  dinner.  This  circumstance  afforded  Charles 
an  opportunity  of  making  a  masterly  retreat  from 
the  dining  room  to  the  saloon  ;  where  he  founc^the 
somniferous  Madame  Balzac  taking  her  customary- 
nap. 

She  slept  as  if  she  were  in  a  trance  ;  so  that  he 
had  ample  power  to  urge  the  suit  he  had  before  pre- 
ferred through  the  Marshal. 

How  could  Adelaide  deny  any  thing  to  so  dear 
a  petitioner?  she  tried  to  chicle  and  refuse  him,  but 
the  chilling  words  thawed  on  her  lips;  and  her 
blushing  eves  beamed  with  a  yielding,  which  ani- 
mated his  importunity.  She  consented  at  last,  be- 
cause she  wished  to  consent:  promising  to  give  him 
her  hand,  immediately  after  he  should  have  termi- 
nated one  of  his  anxieties,  by  procuring  the  cx- 
ch  mge  of  his  brother,  into  the  regiment  he  com- 
manded. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        75 

Leopolstat  did  not  over-rate  his  influence  with 
the  Archduke.  That  amiable  Prince  being  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  Count's  character,  judged  him  to 
have  private  motives,  equally  pressing  and  praise? 
worthy,  for  the  removal  of  his  brother.  An  ap- 
pointment about  his  own  person,  which  he  gave 
unasked,  and  a  letter  which  he  addressed  himself, 
to  the  General  of  Cavalry,  in  Italy,  decided  the 
business. 

Eager  to  press  this  suffering  brother,  to  his  al- 
most paternal  bosom,  Charles  no  sooner  received 
a  gracious  message  from  his  royal  commander,  pur- 
porting the  desired  success  ;  than  he  hastened  to 
Balzac,  and  with  persuasive  earnestness,  sought  and 
obtained  from  Adelaide  a  ratification  of  her  promise 
to  become  his  wife  directly  after  the  arrival  of  De- 
metrius. He  then  wrote  to  the  latter,  urging  him 
to  expedite  a  journey  upon  which  depended  the 
completion  of  his  happiness. 

Charles  knew  Demetrius  too  well,  to  dread  any 
thing  Irom  writing  thus.  He  was  aware  that  his 
own  fraternal  affection  had  been  too  long  tried,  to 
require,  now  the  delay  of  his  dearest  wish :  and 
that  Demetrius  being  convinced  of  his  tender  com- 
miseration, would  see  without  envy,  nay  with  con- 
solatory pleasure,  the  felicitous  end  of  his  brother's 
distress. 

This  letter,  reached  the  Val  di  Taro,  some  days 


76         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

after  the  departure  of  Demetrius  ;  from  whence  it 
followed  him  to  the  Trtvisane. 

How  much  had  happened  to  him  in  that  short 
period ! 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         77 


CHAP.  IV. 


OPPRESSED  with  grief,  Demetrius  obeyed 
the  summons  of  Princess  Con stan tia. 

He  travelled  with  the  utmost  speed,  yet  did  not 
reach  Felieri,  till  the  close  of  the  third  day. 

The  stillness  of  the  Palace,  and  the  deep  gloom 
of  the  winter  foliage,  blackened  by  night,  struck  a 
chill  to  his  heart;  faint  lamps  glimmered  only  here 
and  there,  among  the  once  brilliant  collonades  ;  and 
the  verybretze  that  moaned  through  them,  appear- 
ed to  lower  its  breath,  for  fear  of  disturbing  their 
sepulchral  solemnity. 

Demetrius  could  not  see  the  little  mountain 
stream,  that  here  mingled  with  the  Livenza,  be- 
cause of  the  darkness,  and  its  over-hanging  bushes : 
but  the  well-known  sound  of  its  impetuous  current, 
brought  to  his  recollection  the  last  evening  he  had 
spent  with  the  Duchess.  It  was  the  gay  night  of 
her  moon-light  partv  ;  which  he  justly  believed  to 
have  been  the  happiest  of  his  life  :  she  was   then, 

H  2 


78         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

all  spirit  and    energy ;  and  she  was  now,  perhaps, 
cold  and  insensible  ! 

His  heart  turned  sick  at  the  thought ;  for  he 
loved  her  with  the  enthusiasm  of  gratitude. 

Alighting  from  the  carriage,  he  advanced  on 
foot,  to  the  gate  of  entrance :  a  venerable  servant 
answered  his  gentle  knock ;  the  aspect  of  this  old 
man,  and  the  sorrowful  exclamation  he  uttered, 
Were  frightful  omens. 

Demetrius  feared  to  advance :  "  Does  she  live  V9 
he  asked  eagerly. 

"  Yes,  my  Lord,  our  good  Duchess  lives  ;  but 
there  is  no  hope." 

u  Then  I  may  once  more  see  her !"  exclaimed 
Demetrius.  "Where  is  the  Princess?  let  her  be 
told  of  my  arrival — but  tell  her  gently,  good  Gio- 
rolamo." 

The  old  servant  now  softly  called  a  young  wo- 
man who  appeared  at  one  of  the  doors,  and  com- 
missioned her  with  the  communication.  In  a  few 
moments  she  re-appeared,  and  bade  the  young  Count 
follow. 

The  arched  passages  through  which  they  went, 
scarcelv  returned  the  sound  of  their  swift  but  light 
steps :  they  crossed  several  halls,  and  ascended  a 
high  flight  of  stairs,  till  they  reached  that  side  of 
the  Palace  occupied  by  the  Duchess. 

/'This  is  my  Lady's  room  ;"  said  the  girl,  slop- 
ping before  a  door,  "  your  Lordship  is  to  go  in.'1 — 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         79 

Demetrius  entered. 

A  single  light,  dimly  shewed  him  the  death-bed 
of  his  patroness,  over  which  stood  his  dear  Con- 
stantia,  pale  and  distracted.  No  other  persons, 
but  the  physician  and  the  confessor,  were  in  the 
apartment.  Unused  to  such  scenes,  anguish  and 
awe  nearly  paralyzed  him  :  he  moved  gently  for- 
ward, and  as  he  reached  the  bed,  the  Princess  turn- 
ed round. 

At  sight  of  him,  the  flood-gates  of  her  grief, 
were  burnt  asunder.  No  longer  able  to  command 
her  feelings,  she  threw  herself  into  his  arms,  with  a 
distraction,  to  which  tears  and  sobs,  gave  no  relief. 
The  emotion  of  Demetrius  shewed  its  excess  by  a 
convulsive  tremor :  he  trembled  so  violently,  that 
he  could  not  articulate  ;  nor  support  himself  with- 
out the  aid  of  the  physician. 

For  some  hours,  the  Duchess  had  lost  the  power 
of  speech  :  she  now  attempted  to  address  her 
cherished  Demetrius,  but  her  quivering  lips  moved 
only  for  an  instant :  she  raised  her  eyes  to  heaven, 
with  a  celestial  expression  of  christian  submission, 
and  then  stretched  out  her  hand  to  him. 

Demetrius  and  Constantia,  at  the  same  moment 
sunk  on  their  knees  before  her.  The  Duchess  re- 
garded them  awhile  with  a  gaze  of  tender  v.  is.tfufe- 
ness  :  regret  and  joy,  mingled  in  her  countena  ce. 
Siie  raised  herself  with  difficulty  from  the  pillow, 


80         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

and  took,  them   alternately  in  her  arms  ;  then  join- 
ing their  hands  together,  sunk  back. 

The  hand  uniting  those  of  the  unhappy  lovers, 
soon  slackened  its  grasp :  Constantia  wildly  raised 
her  head  ;  and  beholding  the  features  of  her  grand- 
mother, fixed  in  eternal  peace,  uttered  a  piercing 
shriek.  She  was  conveyed  motionless  from  the 
room. 

The  eyes  of  Demetrius  mournfully  followed 
her,  as  the  physician  carried  her  into  the  air  ;  but 
they  turned  again,  to  the  death-bed  of  the  Duchess. 
There,  religious  awe,  and  fond  regret,  absorbed 
his  dearest  cares.  He  rose  not  from  the  ground, 
still  kneeling,  to  join  in  the  solemn  rites  of  the  con- 
fessor.— Where  is  the  pen,  that  can  faithfully  de- 
scribe the  feelings  which  are  roused  by  the  death  of 
a  beloved  person  ? — those  new,  and  mingled  feel- 
ings, which  only  belong  to  the  chamber  of  death, 
and  which  can  never  be  recalled  without  reviving 
the  anguish  that  would  baffle  any  attempt! — The 
heart  that  has  once  felt  them,  will  but  too  well  know 
how  to  estimate  their  force.  With  a  fearful  hand, 
therefore,  I  leave  the  veil  undrawn,  which  now 
covers  the  affliction  of  Constantia. 

When  Demetrius  was  retiring,  to  indulge  his 
regret  in  solitude,  the  monk,  took  a  packet  of  pa- 
pers from  his  breast,  and  presenting  one  to  him, 
said, 

"  This  letter,  was  intrusted  to  me,  by  my  late 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         81 

benefactress,  with  a  strict  charge  to  deliver  it  into 
your  hands  at  this  awful  period.  These  others,  are 
the  will,  and  some  documents  of  consequence  to 
shew  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg.  You,  my  Lord, 
are  I  believe,  master  here.  May  the  Almighty 
bless  you,  and  make  you  a  worthy  successor  to 
the  most  pious  and  beneficent  Princess  that  ever 
lived!" 

The  confessor  then  retired,  to  hide  his  rising 
emotion  ;  and  Demetrius,  merely  answering  by  an 
inclination  of  the  head,  retired  to  his  chamber. 

So  many  events  had  followed  each  other,  with 
such  whirling  rapidity,  that  the  over-tasked  spirit 
of  Demetrius,  could  no  longer  keep  up  with  them  : 
he  now  threw  himself  upon  a  couch,  with  that  sen- 
sation of  exhaustion  and  stupor,  which  often  fol- 
lows great  mental  exertion  ;  and  his  senses  were 
immediately  steeped  in  total  oblivion. 

After  the  salutary  sleep  of  a  few  hours,  he 
awoke  ;  and  finding  it  still  night,  he  rose,  trimmed 
his  fading  lamp,  and  sat  down  by  the  remains  of  a 
wood-fire,  to  think  and  to  grieve. 

An  involuntary  idea  that  the  departed  spirit 
was  then  hovering  over  him,  created  a  sacred  awe, 
which  checked  his  gathering  tears  :  he  frequently 
raised  his  surcharged  eyes  with  an  ineffable  emo- 
tion, as  if  expecting  to  behold  the  visible  beatifica- 
tion of  that  soul,  which  had  used  the  blessings  of 
her  own  lot,  only  to  bless  that  of  others^ 


82         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

The  letter  given  him  by  the  monk,  now  de- 
manded his  attention  :  he  soitly  separated  the  wax, 
and  read  the  following. 

"  If  I  should  not  live  to  see  and  speak  with 
you,  my  dearest  Demetrius,  you  must  consider 
these  lines  as  my  dying  words. 

"  Accept  my  blessing :  and  with  it,  the  half  of 
my  fortune. 

"  If,  as  I  hope,  inclination  should  hereafter  lead 
you  to  offer  my  beloved  grandchild,  a  husband's 
protection,  be  assured,  that  such  an  inclination  has 
my  fullest  sanction.  It  had  always  been  my  inten- 
tion to  learn  your  wishes  on  that  subject  whenever 
we  should  meet  again  ;  but  I  scarcely  doubt  them  : 
your  ingenuous  heart  speaks  too  plainly  in  your 
countenance,  to  be  misinterpreted. 

"  Should  you  really  love  my  Constantia,  do  not 
stifle  the  expression  of  so  natural  a  sentiment,  from 
any  erroneous  notions  of  her  character :  she  is  not 
the  slave  of  such  narrow  opinions,  as  generally 
bound  the  intellects  of  high-born  women.  You  are 
already  very  dear  to  her  :  it  therefore,  rests  with 
yourself,  to  make  her  love  you  with  the  energy  ne- 
cessary to  your  mutual  happiness. 

"  Opposition  from  her  imperious  uncle,  is,  of 
course,  to  be  expected  :  but  even  that  has  its  limits : 
two  years  of  constancy,  and  patient  submission  to 
his  authority,  will  release  you  both  from  restraint. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         83 

"  I  may  perhaps  appear  blameable,  for  thus 
preparing  a  cause  of  family  dissention  :  willingly 
would  I  avoid  it :  but  the  substantial  good  of  my 
Constantia  must  not  be  sacrificed  to  the  blind  pre- 
judice of  her  uncle.  Where  nothing  can  be  urged 
against  the  man  of  her  choice,  but  inequality  of 
nominal  rank,  the  objection  grows  contemptible. 

"  I  make  you  rich;  noble  by  descent,  you  are 
already ;  nobler  still,  by  your  virtues  :  why  then, 
should  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg's  pernicious  world- 
liness,  be  submitted  to  ? 

u  However,  should  my  fond  belief,  prove  the 
vain  chimera  of  a  heart  anxious  to  unite  its  two 
dearest  objects  :  should  you  be  otherwise  attached, 
or  simply  indifferent  to  the  merits  of  my  Constantia, 
recollect  that  the  bequest  of  half  my  property,  is 
not  made  to  the  lover  of  my  grandchild,  but  to  the 
preserver  of  her  life.  Take  it  freely,  therefore, 
bestow  it,  and  yourself,  on  whomever  you  chuse, 
and  may  God  grant  you  that  solid  happiness  which 
has  been  the  daily  subject  of  all  my  prayers! 

"  Farewel !  I  embrace  you  with  the  affection 
of  a  mother. 

COLOMBA  DI   FELIERI." 

It  was  now  that  tears  fell  from  the  eyes  of  De- 
jnetrius.  Gratitude,  admiration,  regret,  and  love, 
all  swelled  the  womanish  tide.  He  contemplated 
what  he  might  have  possessed,  and  what  he  was 


84         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

about  to  refuse,  with  a  softness  that  unnerved  his 
mental  strength  :  and  as  he  held  the  blistered  paper 
to  his  lips,  he  breathed  the  name  of  Zaire,  with 
bitterness  of  soul. 

Let  the  object  of  a  guilty  passion,  tremble  at 
the  frail  tenure  by  which  she  holds  the  affections  of 
a  man,  not  wholly  depraved  LThe  first  ray  of  light 
that  breaks  in  on  his  before-benighted  soul,  shews 
him  the  deformity  of  a  passion,  which  she  grows 
distasteful,  for  having  inspired  :  while  the  recollec- 
tions which  virtuous  love  delights  to  cherish,  are 
by  him  banished  with  affrighted  quickness. 

Demetrius  still  retained  a  tender  regard  for 
Madame  de  Fontainville,  but  he  shrunk  from  the 
thought  of  making  her  his  wife.  That  full  consent 
of  every  faculty  of  his  mind,  every  sentiment  of  his 
heart,  (which  always  accompanied  the  contempla- 
tion of  Constantia),  was  there,  painfully  wanting  : 
he  could  not  steadily  gaze,  with  growing  admira- 
tion, upon  her  character,  as  he  did  on  that  of  his 
Princess. — Ah  !  no  ! — he  glanced  rapturously  lor  a 
moment  upon  a  feature  of  bewitching  beautv,  and 
then  hastily  avoided  the  sight  of  its  neighbouring 
imperfection. 

While  reading  his  departed  friend's  letter,  De- 
metrius had  been  thrilled  to  agony,  at  the  single 
expression, — u  a  husband's  protection."  How, 
much  interdicted  felicity,  did  these  three  Hide 
words,  present  to  his  warm  fancy  !  and  how  firmly 


THE  HUNGARIAN*  BROTHERS.        85 

did  he  believe,  for  the  moment,  that  it  would  be 
impious  in  him  to  give  that  hand  to  Madame  de 
Fontainvilie,  which  had  been  joined  with  Constan- 
tia's  by  her  dying  parent ! — 

Lost  in  a  fluctuation  of  resolutions,  to  which 
not  even  virtue  herself  knew  how  to  give  the  palm, 
he  saw  the  morning  light  spread  its  rosy  glow  over 
the  new  wing  of  the  palace ;  now,  nearly  rebuilt : 
Father  Pietro  visited  him  soon  after  ;  and  from 
him  he  learned  that  the  Princess  was  unable  to  see 
any  one  that  day. — 

Whilst  Constantia's  hours  were  spent  in  her  de- 
votions, he  sat  alone  by  the  corpse  of  his  benefac- 
tress ;  laying  to  heart  the  salutary  lesson  of  mor- 
tality ;  wondering  at  the  tumultuous  feelings  which 
still  agitated  him,  even  while  witnessing  the  brevity 
of  human  joy,  or  human  suffering. 

He  then  retired  to  another  apartment,  where 
he  devoted  himself  to  the  task  of  candidly  detail- 
ing his  past  faults,  and  present  involvement,  in  a 
letter  to  the  young  Princess. 

What  a  task  was  this! — to  disclose  the  very 
part  of  his  life,  which  he  wished  struck  out  for 
ever  from  the  records  of  memory  !  to  sketch,  even 
with  a  trembling  hand,  the  portrait  of  a  lawless  pas- 
sion, and  present  it  before  the  eyes  of  her  whem  he 
loved  to  devotion ! — to  breathe  out  assurances  of 
this  devoted  love,  yet  voluntarily  renounce  its  per - 

VOL.   II.  I 


86         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

mitted  hopes  !  how  was  he  capable  of  so  mastering 
himself? 

The  task,  however,  was  accomplished  ;  and  on 
the  third  day,  he  saw  Constantia. 

The  anguish  of  disappointed  affection  was  visi- 
ble in  her  youthful  countenance  ;  but  gentle  cou- 
rage, and  innocent  candour,were  there  also.  She 
stretched  out  her  hand  to  him  as  he  entered  the 
room,  and  pressing  his  softly,  said — "  Demetrius ! 
— my  dear  brother !" — 

At  this  last  epithet,  the  resolution  of  Deme- 
trius forsook  him  :  he  fell  at  her  feet,  and  incoher- 
ently bewailed  his  errors  and  his  misfortunes. 

She  raised  him  with  great  emotion.  "Repress 
this  grief,  I  beseech  you,"  she  cried — u  Oh,  you 
know  not  how  it  tears  my  heart ! — perhaps  I  am 
wrong  in  now  confessing  that  you  are  dearer  to  me, 
than  the  whole  world,  and  that  the  thought  of  pass- 
ing my  life  with  you,  was  the  only  consolation  of 
these  last  sad  days  ;  but  I  cannot  hide  it :  I  thought 
it  praise -worthy  to  love  one  so  good,  and  one  to 
whom  I  owed  so  much  :  I  never  dreamt  of  a  blow 
like  this ! — But  it  must  be  borne;"  she  added,  try- 
ing to  smile  away  her  tears,  "  it  shall  be  borne :  I 
will  think  you  are  my  brother,  so  shall  we  all  be 
happy  at  last." 

u  Never  !  never!"  exclaimed  Demetrius  wildly, 
u  there  is  no  happiness  for  me  ! — my  peace  is  lost, 
wrecked  for  ever.     Never,  in  this  world,  can  any 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         8t 

thing  repay  me  for  such  a  sacrifice  to  virtue,  such 
an  atonement  for  error  !" 

"  Then  in  another  world" — the  Princess  whis- 
pered, and  bent  her  gushing  eyes  over  the  hand  she 
still  held. 

The  silenced,  but  not  comforted  spirit  of  her 
impetuous  lover,  answered  with  a  heavy  groan. 
He  was  again  the  impassioned,  stormy  Demetrius, 
whose  terrifying  sensibility,  so  often  swept  away 
all  the  boundaries  of  reason. 

Alternately  melted  and  alarmed,  Constantia 
wept  as  much  with  pity  as  with  love. 

"  O  Demetrius  !"  she  exclaimed,  gazing  ten- 
derly on  his  convulsed  features ;  "  why  this  extra- 
vagant indulgence  of  a  sorrow,  that  cannot  exceed 
mine  ? — What  is  it  you  expect  from  it  I — Can  I 
change  our  lot  ? — Alas,  no  ! — I  have  no  cheering 
prospect  left,  but  the  hope  of  one  day  seeing  you 
happy,  and  of  adding  to  that  happiness,  by  striving 
to  forget  that  I  ever  wished  for  more. — With  this 
hope  remaining,  I  am  still  ready  to  call  existence  a 
blessing— you  will  live  to  think  so  too,  when  your 
former  attachment  shall  have  revived,  and  the  sac- 
red feelings  of  a  parent — when  children  perhaps" — 
Here  she  broke  off  abruptly,  concealing  her  gushing 
tears  with  her  hands. 

Demetrius  suddenly  clasped  her  in  his  arms ; 
but  instantly  pushing  her  from  him,  exclaimed — 


88        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

"  No — no — I  must  see  you  no  more,  hear  you  no 
more,  if  I  would  retain  my  senses  and  be  just." — 

He  was  then  quitting  the  room  in  distracted 
haste,  when  she  followed,  and  detained  him.  u  Not 
thus,  Demetrius — not  thus  you  ought  to  leave  me. 
Do  you  believe  that  I  too,  have  no  feelings  to 
spare,  or  to  be  pitied? — Oh,  could  you  see  my 
heart  i" 

The  melting  tones,  and  tender  reproof  of  Con- 
stahtia  checked  his  phrensy — he  turned  quickly 
round,  caught  her  hands  in  both  his,  covered  them 
wi-.h  kisses,  and  suffered  her  to  lead  him  to  a  seat. 

The  Princess  then  stifling  the  expression  of  her 
own  sorrow,  exerted  herself  to  moderate  his  :  She 
was  calculated  to  persuade  and  to  sooth ;  and  the 
agitated  passions  of  Demetrius,  gradually  subsided 
under  every  fall  of  her  touching  voice. 

She  pleaded  with  tearful  earnestness,  for  Ma- 
dame de  Fontainville,  whose  situation  she  truly 
compassionated]  striving  to  revive  in  Demetrius 
some  portion  of  that  partiality  which  could  alone 
reconcile  him  to  his  fate. 

The  too-wakeful  sensibility  of  her  auditor,  took 
alarm  at  her  zeal :  he  hastily  said — "  Say  not  that 
I  am  dear  to  you — mock  me  not,  with  so  false  a 
comfort — for  if  it  were  so,  how  could  you  urge  the 
claims  of  another?" 

At  this  injurious  charge,  Constantia's  colour  for- 
sook her  j  tears  forced  themselves  through  her  qui- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         89 

vering  eye-lids. — "  My  life  shall  answer  you,"  was 
her  reply. 

Demetrius  felt  the  whole  of  what  these  words 
conveyed :  he  was  pierced  with  remorse — Constan- 
tia  saw  it. 

"  I  can  pardon  many  things,  now  j"  she  resum- 
ed, "  Demetrius  is  not  himself:  but  fee  is  not  the 
less  dear  to  me  for  that.  Alas,  alas !  how  much 
dearer  !" 

She  then  talked  of  her  departed  relative,  and 
that  with  a  tender  resolution  which  bore  the  most 
honourable  testimony  to  her  heart. 

Constantia  was  never  deterred  from  what  she 
believed  her  duty,  by  any  selfish  consideration  ;  and 
though  every  question  she  now  asked,  pierced  her 
bleeding  bosom,  like  so  many  daggers;  she  persist- 
ed in  mentioning  all  that  was  necessary,  for  the  so- 
lemn interment  of  the  Duchess. 

Tears  trickled  silently  down  her  cheeks,  while 
Demetrius  assured  her,  that  since  the  first  evening, 
he  had  himself  watched  nightly  by  the  remains  of 
his  patroness  ;  and  had  suffered  no  rite  to  be  omit- 
ted, that  was  used  to  express  regret  and  respect. 

Constantia  wrept  awhile  over  a  little  ivory  cruci- 
fix, which  was  the  last  thing  her  grandmother  touch- 
ed, and  which  now  hung  at  her  own  breast  ;  then 
struggling  against  this  weakness,  rose  to  depart. 

"  Let  us  separate,"  she  said,  averting  her  stream- 
ing eyes — "  we  will  meet  again,  to-morrow. — If  my 

I  2 


90         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS, 

uncle  arrive  in  the  interim,  he  shall  be  conducted  to 
me  immediately  :  my  simple  assurance  that  you  are 
engaged  to  another,  will  prevent  any  misunderstand- 
ing between  you.  I  would  not  have  you  endure  in- 
sult as  well  as  sorrow  for  my  sake." — Breathless 
with  an  emotion  that  was  now  increasing  beyond 
her  utmost  efforts  to  conceal,  she  hastily  returned 
the  pressure  of  his  hand,  and  left  the  apartment. 

At  that  moment  Demetrius  believed  his  soul 
must  have  burst  the  bonds  that  tied  it  to  a  hateful 
life.  He  rushed  away  to  his  own  chamber,  where 
for  a  while,  he  refused  to  think  of  any  thing  but 
Constantia. 

The  next  morning,  better  feelings  resumed  their 
influence  :  he  saw  the  necessity  of  yielding  to  the 
consequences  of  his  own  culpable  conduct ;  and  now 
sorrowed  more  for  the  Princess,  than  for  himself. 
A  glimpse  of  one  of  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg's 
avant-couriers,  changed  the  current  of  his  thoughts ; 
and  other  cares,  besides  those  of  love,  then  occupied 
him. 

Two  hours  afterwards,  he  was  told  that  his  High- 
ness requested  the  honour  of  seeing  him  in  the  li- 
brary. 

A  glow  of  self-respect  dignified  the  youthful 
beauty  of  Demetrius,  as  he  followed  the  servant. 
At  his  entrance,  the  Prince  turned  pale,  and  lower- 
ed his  eyes  :  his  features  were  strongly  expressive 
of  anger  and  pride  ;  for  Constantia,  when  declaring 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         91 

the  engagements  of  Demetrius,  had  nobly  confessed 
her  preference,  and  disappointment. 

"  I  understand  Sir,"  said  the  Prince  abruptly, 
(yet  with  an  air  of  mortified  restraint)  "  that  I  am 
henceforth  to  consider  myself  your  guest.  This  pa- 
lace, and  these  domains,  I  hear  with  astonishment, 
are  now  the  property  of  a  stranger." 

Constantia  advanced  trembling  :  Demetrius  in- 
stantly calmed  her  fear. 

44  I  know  not  whether  your  Highness  be  rightly 
informed,"  he  answered,  u  but  if  so,  be  assured  I 
am  incapable  of  using  the  power  such  unexpected 
munificence  has  given  me,  in  any  other  way,  than 
that  of  immediately  renouncing  it." 
"  I  do  not  comprehend  you  Sir :" 
"  Can  I  do  otherwise,"  said  Demetrius,  "  than 
restore  it  to  Princess  Constantia  ?  I  had  no  claim 
on  the  generosity  of  my  illustrious  patroness:  enough 
for  me  to  cherish  the  respected  remembrance  of  her 
friendship." 

"  Indeed  !" — and  the  Prince  eyed  him  with  a 
mixture  of  incredulity  and  envy. 

Constantia  turned  aside  to  conceal  her  agitation. 
"  The  Will  is  to  be  opened  this  evening,"  re- 
sumed the  unfeeling  Prince,  M  of  course,  Sir,  we 
shall  have  the  honour  of  dining  together,  after  which, 
you  can  have  no  objection  to  hear  it  read.  I  believe 
you  will  then  find  my  niece  amply  provided  for — 
all  the  domestics  provided  for — no  one,  in  short, 


92         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

overlooked,  but  the  only  person  entitled  to  expeet 
the  bulk  of  this  unwieldy  fortune." 

An  exclamation  of  horror,  at  her  uncle's  savage 
coldness,  escaped  the  Princess  ;  she  wildly  passed 
him,  repelling  his  out-stretched  hand  ;  and  then  flew 
into  another  room. 

Demetrius  looked  at  Nuremberg  with  aver- 
sion, and  at  that  instant  saw  in  him,  only  the  man 
that  once  sought  his  life. 

"  As  the  Princess  has  left  us  ;"  he  said  with 
some  austerity,  "  I  may  explicitly  tell  your  High- 
ness, that  whatever  testimony  of  over-wrought  gra- 
titude and  unmerited  regard,  the  will  of  the  late 
Duchess  may  contain,  I  shall  resign  it  to  her  ac- 
knowledged heiress  ;  in  whose  hands  I  am  certain, 
it  will  become  an  instrument  of  blessing  to  thou- 
sands. After  which,  I  can  have  no  other  wish, 
than  to  be  permitted  the  indulgence  of  that  respect- 
ful friendship,  which  the  Duchess  di  Felieri  suffer- 
ed me  to  avow  for  the  Princess." 

"  With  her  friendships,"  returned  Nuremberg, 
"  I  do  not  interfere  ;  but  I  profess  myself  no  advo- 
cate for  such  a  sentiment  between  persons  of  differ- 
ent sex,  and  far  different  rank.  Pardon  my  frank- 
ness, Sir ! — I  have  no  intention  to  offend  you  :  on 
the  contrary,  I  beg  you  to  accept  my  thanks,  for 
the  very  handsome  manner  in  which  you  withdraw 
your  claim  on  the  Duchess  di  Felieri's  fortune. 
Should  you  ever  vidU  Nuremberg  or  Munich,  I 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         93 

shall  have  pleasure  in  shewing  you  any  civility  in 
my  power.  But  I  must  intreat  you  to  remember, 
Sir,  that  an  indiscreet  friendship  may  injure  the  es- 
tablishment of  my  niece  :  I  have  great  views  for 
her,  with  which  this  would  never  assimilate.  As 
I  am  sure,  her  husband  will  not  see  the  thing  in  the 
false  light,  I  am  inclined  to  do." 

At  this  painful  hint,  the  blood  fled  from  the 
cheeks  of  Demetrius,  and  his  heart  died  within 
him  :  afraid  of  betraying  himself,  he  faltered  out, 
— u  I  shall  meet  your  Highness  at  dinner  ;"  and 
abruptly  retired. 

The  Prince,  wishing  to  believe  he  had  awed  the 
usurper  of  his  rights  into  restitution,  yet  feeling 
that  he  was  himself  awed  by  his  disinterestedness, 
eyed  the  furniture  of  the  library,  a  few  moments, 
in  dissatisfied  silence,  and  then  sought  his  wife. 
She  had  retired  from  the  breakfast  room,  with 
Constantia,  leaving  him  time  to  reflect  back,  all  his 
suspicions  of  Demetrius. 

During  the  short  period  in  which  their  regi- 
ments were  encamped  together,  after  the  battle  of 
Novi,  Colonel  Wurtzburgh  had  artfully  insinuated 
so  many  proofs  of  his  young  officer's  familiarity  at 
Felieri,  that  the  Prince  in  great  alarm,  interrogated 
him  further. 

Wurtzburgh  then  acknowledged  his  fear  that  a 
silly  attachment  had  taken  place  between  the  young 
people,  for  which,  the  Duchess  could  alone  be  cen- 


94         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

sured.  He  besought  the  Prince  not  to  mention  his 
name  in  the  affair,  as  he  sincerely  regarded  the  im- 
prudent boy,  for  whose  sake  he  should  rejoice  to 
hear  that  the  intercourse  was  interrupted  :  and  hav- 
ing cunningly  irritated,  while  he  appeared  striving 
to  appease,  roused  the  Prince  into  a  fury  which 
took  the  murderous  direction  he  wished. 

These  past  insinuations  now  came  with  double 
force  to  the  remembrance  of  Nuremberg.  This 
liberal  renunciation  of  the  Felieri  estates,  might  be  a 
pantomime  trick,  played  off  between  Constantia  and 
her  lover,  in  order  to  cheat  him  into  countenancing 
their  acquaintance,  which  they  would  at  last  con- 
clude by  a  marriage. 

No  sooner  had  his  contemptible  spirit  suggested 
this  idea,  than  he  became  as  sure  of  its  reality,  as 
of  his  own  existence,  and  though  not  an  hour  be- 
fore, he  had  reviled  Demeivius  for  daring  to  decline 
the  hand  of  a  Princess  of  Nuremberg,  from  any 
other  motive  than  a  sense  of  her  superiority,  (so  in- 
consistent is  malice),  he  now  burst  into  Constantia's 
retirement,  fulminating  reproaches,  and  denouncing 
Demetrius  as  a  presumptuous  hypocrite. 

The  Princess  made  a  spirited  defence  of  her 
lover's  sincerity,  ending  it  thus  : 

"  It  is  not  to  himself,  Sir,  that  you  dare  utter 
these  unmanly  threats. — No  !  the  man  that  could 
insult  and  terrifv  a  woman,  would  not  have  the 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         95 

courage  to  brave,  even  the  frown  of  an  honourable 
man." — 

With  these  words  she  shut  herself  into  another 
apartment. 

The  spirit  of  Constantia  was  not  to  be  intimi- 
dated :  injustice  and  tyranny,  roused  her  otherwise 
lamb-like  nature,  into  that  of  the  lion ;  and  she  would 
have  despised  herself,  for  yielding  to  terror,  what 
she  could  not  have  denied  to  kindness. 

Egregiously  had  the  Prince  mistaken  the  char- 
acter of  his  niece,  when  he  believed  himself  able  to 
sway  her  actions  by  a  few  horrid-sounding  words. 
He  was  thunder-struck  at  the  flash  of  her  undaunt- 
ed eyes,  as  she  pronounced  the  last  sentence  ;  and 
still  more  amazed  at  the  declaration  she  made,  of 
devoting  the  remainder  of  her  life,  to  a  single  state. 

Could  it  be  possible,  that  this  figure  which  sud- 
denly seemed  to  dart  forth  rays  of  majesty,  was  the 
timid,  girlish  Constantia?  Were  these  commanding 
eyes  the  eyes  he  had  always  seen  smiiing  in  delight? 
this  intrepid  spirit,  the  one  that  had  hitherto  been  all 
balmy  gentleness: — He  paused  on  these  questions: 
for  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg,  had  never  known 
how  to  separate  softness  from  imbecility ;  and  had 
yet  to  learn,  that  the  meekness  of  a  heart  which  can 
never  be  moved  to  virtuous  indignation,  is  a  meek- 
ness without  worth. — He  stood  an  instant  motion- 
less; then  disregarding  the  fearful  upbraiding  of  his 
wife,  hurried  from  the  place. 


96         THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

The  sound  of  the  door  which  he  pulled  furious- 
ly after  him,  and  a  sobbing  apology  of  his  Princess, 
brought  Constantia  forth  again.  Tenderness  once 
more  beamed  from  her  lovely  face,  and  spoke  in 
her  voice  :  she  soothed  the  distress  of  her  well- 
meaning  aunt ;  assuring  her,  she  was  grieved  for 
her  sake,  at  having  been  forced  to  forget  the  respect 
due  to  her  guardian. 

It  had  not  been  Constantia's  intention  to  appear 
at  dinner ;  but  perceiving  a  necessity  for  her  pre- 
sence, she  submitted  to  the  pain  of  again  sitting  at 
the  table,  where  her  dear  grandmother  had  so  amia- 
bly presided. 

When  the  small  party  assembled,  grief  was  on 
every  face,  except  that  of  Nuremberg's.  Constantia 
and  Demetrius  forgot  every  thing  but  their  irrepa- 
rable loss ;  and  frequently  during  the  mournful  meal, 
the  sight  of  some  domestic,  or  some  view  from  the 
windows,  brought  a  flood  of  tears,  to  the  relief  of 
the  Princess. 

The  settled  and  manly  sorrow  that  was  fixed  on 
the  brow  of  Demetrius,  awed  the  base  suspicions  of 
Nuremberg  into  temporary  silence. 

Before  the  will  was  opened,  Constantia  left  the 
room.  She  hastened  to  throw  herself  on  her  knees 
bv  the  corpse  of  her  only  friend,  there  to  pour  out 
the  repressed  anguish  of  a  heart  overpowered  with 
its  first  and  heaviest  affliction.  Meanwhile,  the  chief 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         97 

persons  of  the  Duchess's  household,  -were  assem- 
bled, and  the  important  will   was  produced. 

As  Father  Pietro  presented  it  to  the  profes- 
sional man,  appointed  to  make  known  its  contents, 
Demetrius  addressed  the  Prince.  "  Before  I  learn 
the  contents  of  a  will,  in  which  I  am  said  to  be  par- 
ticularly noticed,  I  here  solemnly  renounce  any  do- 
nation which  may  be  made  to  me  in  it.  Whatever 
has  been  there  bequeathed  to  me,  I  promise  (in  the 
presence  of  these  witnesses)  to  restore  to  Princess 
Constantia;  and  that,  not  from  disrespectful  ingra- 
titude to  the  illustrious  memory  of  the  best  of  wo- 
men, but  in  justice  to  my  own  character,  which 
such  unheard-of  bounty,  might  hereafter  render  sus- 
pected: also,  as  a  testimony  of  admiration  and  re- 
verence for  her  most-beloved  grand-daughter." 

He  spoke  this  with  a  steady  voice,  though  an 
agitated  heart;  and  bowed  in  sign  of  having  con- 
cluded. 

The  will  was  then  opened. 

Nothing  could  exceed  the  rage  and  resentment 
of  the  Prince,  when  he  found,  that  after  liberal  an- 
nuities to  all  her  servants,  legacies  to  her  confessor, 
physician,  and  secretary,  and  a  valuable  one  to  him- 
self, as  the  son  of  her  brother,  the  Duchess  had  ap- 
pointed the  vast  remains  of  her  fortune  to  be  divided 
between  Demetrius  and  Constantia :  leaving  Felieri 
to  the  former,  and  a  much  finer  mansion  in  Venice, 
fo  the  young  Princess. 

VOL.  II.  k 


.18  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

The  bequest  to  each,  was  prefaced  by  so  affect- 
ing an  avowal  of  her  anxiety  for  them  ;  so  many 
prayers  for  their  happiness,  which  Demetrius  well 
knew  how  to  interpret,  that  hastily  covering  his  face 
with  his  handkerchief,  he  was  rising  to  withdraw, 
when  the  Prince  mistaking  his  agitation,  said  bit- 
terly, "  Do  you  repent  your  rash  resolution  ? " — 
Without  answering,  Demetrius  turned  round,  and 
advancing  to  where  a  gentleman  of  the  law  was 
seated,  seized  a  pen,  and  signed  the  deed  (which 
he  had  before  ordered  to  be  prepared,)  and  which 
now  transferred  to  Constantia,  an  additional  pro- 
perty of  countless  thousands — he  then  retired. 

What  was  this  sacrifice  to  Demetrius,  compar- 
ed with  that  which  he  had  lately  made  of  his  ten- 
derest  wishes  ! — Certain  that  he  owed  much  of  the 
Duchess  di  Felieri's  fondness,  to  her  belief  of  his 
future  union  with  her  grandchild  j  and  shuddering 
at  the  thought  of  sharing  the  wealth  given  under 
such  a  belief,  with  any  other  woman,  conscience 
would  have  prompted  the  act,  even  had  inclination 
been  against  it. 

The  funeral  took  place  the  next  day.  Sad  and 
solemn  was  the  magnificence  with  which  the  lament- 
ed clay  of  the  Duchess,  was  carried  to  its  last  abode 
— the  tears  of  the  poor  that  she  had  made  r;ch,  the 
wretched  that  she  had  made  happy,  watered  the 
nath  to  her  tomb  :  these  were  inaudible  prayers  for 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         99 

her  virtuous  soul,  which  if  prayers  could  then  avail, 
might  well  have  found  favour  from  the  Most  High. 

Demetrius  easily  obtained  permission  to  supply 
the  Prince's  absence ;  (whose  duty  it  was,  to  see  the 
earth  closed  over  her  grave,)  he  retreated  almost 
overcome  with  the  scene,  and  his  heart  melted,  as 
his  eyes  fell  on  the  darkened  window  of  the  room, 
where  Constantia  was  weeping. 

Unexpected  comfort  met  him  in  the  palace.  It 
was  that  letter  from  Charles,  in  which  he  mention- 
ed the  desired  exchange  ;  detailing  the  events  that 
had  changed  his  destiny,  and  summoning  him  back 
to  Germany  to  witness  his  union  with  Adelaide. 

The  joy  of  Demetrius  was  ardent,  though  chas- 
tised by  a  sense  of  his  own  disappointments  :  he 
pondered  on  this  interesting  letter,  exclaiming  with 
a  sigh — u  Blessed,  ever  blessed,  be  this  best  and 
dearest  of  brothers  !  O  may  the  bitterness  of  dis- 
appointment, be  known  only  to  me !  may  his  heart 
be  as  happy  as  it  is  blameless !  mine  has  erred  wide 
ly,  and  mine  ought  to  suffer." 

Several  salutary  reflections  now  flowed  from  a 
contemplation  of  their  different  situations :  he  be- 
came convinced  that  it  is  the  character  which  shapes 
the  destiny  j  and  that  when  he  first  lost  sight  of  vir- 
tue, his  own  hand  opened  a  gate  for  all  the  future 
miseries  of  his  life.  Humbled  and  reconciled,  he 
then  bowed  before  the  chastisement  which  he  was 
conscious  of  having  merited. 


100  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

To  leave  Felieri,  and  take  an  eternal  farewel, 
perhaps,  of  Constantia,  was  the  hardest  trial  remain- 
ing :  yet  he  roused  himself  to  meet  it.  The  next 
day,  he  sent  to  ask  permission  to  see  her  alone,  and 
was  admitted  to  her  study. 

Her  fair  eyes  were  swelled  with  weeping,  and 
the  langour  of  indisposition,  was  now  added  to  the 
mournfulness  of  grief.  When  he  told  her  for  what 
purpose  he  was  come,  she  was  unable  to  repel  her 
tears.  "  I  seek  not  to  detain  you,  my  dear  Deme- 
trius," she  said,  "  it  is  better  that  we  should  part 
awhile.  Though  I  should  never  see  you  more,  my 
heart  would  not  cease  to  beat  more  warmly  for  you, 
than  for  any  other:  alas!  what  have  I  in  the  world 
besides  you  and  Adelaide  ?  But  do  not  imagine  I 
give  way  to  useless  regret  at  the  necessity  which 
severs  us:  no!  in  many  things  I  shall  find  consola- 
tion; in  none  more,  than  in  the  knowledge  of  your 
retaining  for  me,  no  other  sentiment  than  that  of 

friendship." 

Demetrius  only  answered  with  a  sigh  :  but  such 
a  sigh  !  long,  long  after,  did  the  remembrance  of  it, 
chill  every  vein  of  Constantia. 

She  pressed  his  hand  :  -"  You  are  going  to  your 
brother;  with  him  I  hope  you  will  find  comfort.  I 
shall  hear  of  you  from  Adelaide  :  to  write  to  you 
myself,  would  be  folly  ;  for  until  our  mutual  weak- 
ness is  conquered,  what  would  it  avail? — The  ro- 
mantic generosity  with  which  you  have  destn 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.       101 

my  dear  grandmamma's  affectionate  intentions,  sur- 
prises every  one  but  me  :  I  expected  it,  and  yet  I 
blame  it.  While  under  my  uncle's  guardianship, 
I  understand,  no  deed  of  mine  can  be  valid  ;  but 
assure  yourself,  that  until  the  period  of  my  liberty 
arrives,  I  retain  the  estates  only  in  trust — it  will 
then  be  my  business  to  convince  you,  that  annulling 
the  will  of  a  departed  friend,  is  a  species  of  im- 
piety." 

Demetrius  combated  this  assertion,  by  argu- 
ments drawn  from  his  peculiar  situation  : — Con- 
stantia  shook  her  head  ;  without  proceeding  to  re- 
prove him,  she  said,  "  Tell  Adelaide,  that  I  cannot 
answer  the  letter  she  has  just  sent  me  ;  but  my  heart 
truly  participates  in  her  prospects  :  we  shall  soon 
meet  perhaps,  for  I  leave  Felieri  with  my  aunt  in  a 
few  days.     Farewel  Demetrius!  Farewel!" — 

She  arose  trembling,  as  she  spoke,  and  the  pale- 
ness of  death  spread  over  her  face  :  a  thick  mist 
gathered  before  the  eyes  of  Demetrius :  he  wrapped 
his  arms  round  her  as  she  stood  beside  him,  and 
their  cold  cheeks  rested  against  each  other.  Grief 
locked  up  the  power  of  speech,  and  he  embraced 
her  for  the  last  time,  in  mute  despair. 

Constantia  plucked  from    her  neck   the   ivory 
erucifix  of  the  Duchess,  and  at  the  same  moment, 
-wildly   kissing  his   picture  which   she  wore   there 
also,  put  the  little  cross  into  his  hand,  and  tore  V 
self  away, 

k2 


102        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

Demetrius  fell  to  the  ground,  deprived  of  sense. 
As  no  one  entered  the  chamber  where  he  lay, 
it  was  long  ere  he  revived :  when  he  did  so,  the 
full  sense  of  his  misery  burst  on  him  like  the  light. 
But  phrensy  was  over :  he  committed  the  ivory 
relic  to  his  bosom  ;  after  which,  he  went  to  take  a 
ceremonial  fare w el  of  the  Prince  and  Princess  of 
Nuremberg. 

Professions  of  good-will,  and  a  cold  compliment 
to  his  just  notion  of  the  Duchess's  injustice,  were 
made  him  by  the  Prince.  Demetrius  hastily  in- 
terrupted them. 

"  Your  highness  must  pardon  me,  if  I  avow 
myself  actuated  by  very  different  sentiments,  and 
call  the  Will  surprising,  but  not  unjust.  The  boun- 
ty of  the  Duchess  was  proportioned  to  her  affec- 
tion for  me,  not  indeed  to  my  deserts ;  yet  her  for- 
tune was  as  much  her  own  to  bestow,  as  her  friend- 
ship. I  therefore  protest  against  such  an  ungrate- 
ful inference,  and  beg  leave  to  state  my  real  mo- 
tives."— 

u  Well  Sir,  state  them,  if  you  please."  And 
the  Prince  bit  his  lips  as  he  spoke. 

"  I  believed,  that  when  the  Duchess  executed 
that  noble  deed,  she  did  it  under  the  impression 
that  I  would  hereafter  aspire  to  a  felicity,  from 
which  my  presumptuous  eyes,  are  now  averted  for 
ever." 

A  sigh  burst  forth  with  these  words,  and  De 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        103 

metrius  paused  for  a  moment :   Nuremberg's  blood 
crimsoned  his  face. 

The  -former  resumed.  "  It  would  have  been 
dishonesty,  therefore,  to  preserve  what  was  given 
me,  by  a  deed  so  executed.  I  was  certain,  also, 
that  without  the  knowledge  of  circumstances  which 
never  can  be  promulgated,  the  world  might  suspect 
my  integrity,  and  accuse  my  disinterestedness  :  this, 
for  my  own  part,  I  could  front  serenely  ;  conscious 
honour,  being  an  unpierceable  shield — but,  distin- 
guished by  the  favour  of  Princess  Constantia,  it  be- 
comes the  duty  of  my  life*  and  it  shall  be  the  busi- 
ness of  it,  to  preserve  her  from  censure,  by  prov- 
ing, that  the  man  so  honoured,  has  the  spirit  of  his 
birth,  rather  than  of  his  fortune." 

He  'stopped  ;  and  his  countenance  glowed  with 
the  loftiness  of  his  feelings. 

"  Then  Sir,"  replied  the  Prince  coldly,  "  obli- 
gation on  my  part,  ceases.  Till  now,  I  really  had 
no  idea  that  so  rational  and  equitable  an  action,  had 
its  source  in  romance  and  self-consideration." 

u  I  would  not  have  you  Sir,"  returned  Deme- 
trius, looking  full  at  him,  "  believe  yourself  under 
the  slightest  obligation  to  me — nay,  I  wish  you  to 
know,  that  had  a  fortunate  destiny  given  me  the 
illustrious  treasure  of  your  niece's  hand,  I  should 
not  have  presumed  to  alter  one  article  of  the 
Duchess's  will:  and  had  I  never  known  Princess 


104       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

Constantia,  I  should  have  preserved  this  vast  gift,, 
even  at  the  price  of  your  highness's  approbation." 

Demetrius  waited  a  moment  to  give  the  Prince 
time  to  answer  this  galling  avowal,  but  the  latter 
only  gnawed  his  under  lip :  the  other  bowed  and 
withdrew. 

Demetrius  was  still  rash,  still  imprudent,  and 
would  have  spurned  the  counsel,  that  urged  only 
the  caution  of  silence :  what  he  felt,  he  burned  to 
shew ;  believing  that  to  hide  his  feelings,  was  equi- 
valent to  the  more  impudent  falsehood  of  denying 
them. 

A  flush  was  still  on  his  cheek,  when  he  crossed 
the  hall  to  depart.  The  sight  of  the  domestics 
gathered  there  to  bless  and  bewail  him,  and  the  de- 
jected countenance  of  father  Pietro,  who  had  long 
been  the  confident  of  the  Duchess,  banished  this 
glow.  He  shook  hands  with  the  servants,  embrac- 
ed father  Pietro,  and  then  looking  round  the  hall, 
as  if  bidding  eternal  farewel  tp  its  senseh  ss  walls, 
hastened  through  the  portico,  to  the  vehicle  that 
was  to  convev  him  for  ever  from  Felieri. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.       105 


CHAP.  V. 


A  TEDIOUS  journey  was  performed  by  Deme- 
trius, without  noticing  either  its  length  or  its  discom- 
forts ;  he  moved  mechanically  from  carriage  to  car- 
riage, for  his  spirit  was  still  with  Constantia :  but  as 
he  entered  Suabia,  thought  of  as  dear  an  object,  call- 
ed back  the  wandering  soul. 

Charles  was  hurrying  over  military  dispatches 
in  his  own  quarters  at  Donaueschingen  when  his 
brother  arrived  there  :  not  having  heard  the  wheels 
of  the  carriage,  he  was  unconscious  of  its  approach, 
till  he  saw  him  by  his  side. 

At  sight  of  him,  joy  flushed  over  his  face  :  he 
rose  hastily  from  his  seat,  and  wrapped  him  in  his 
arms.  "  My  brother  !  my  dear  brother  !  my  be- 
loved Demetrius !" — 

Pressed  to  this  best  of  human  hearts,  Demetrius 
felt  as  if  he  had  reached  a  shelter  from  every  coming 
storm  :  the  bosom  of  his  brother,  seemed  his  home  : 
and  accustomed  from  infancy,  to  find  comfort  and 


106        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

tenderness  there,  he  retained  the  memory  of  past 
security,  and  the  hope  of  future  peace. 

Apprized  of  the  Duchess's  death,  Charles  was 
prepared  to  see  his  brother  dejected  ;  but  there  was 
an  expression  in  his  features,  that  announced  a  heart 
completely  desolate.  He  pushed  aside  his  still- 
beautiful  hair,  and  gazed  with  bursting  grief  on  that 
altered  complexion,  over  which  it  once  played  like 
sun-beams  among  flowers. 

He  looked  awhile,  till  the  tears  gathering  fast  in 
his  own  eyes,  obscured  their  sight ;  he  then  turned 
away,  shook  the  hand  grasping  his,  exclaiming  in  a 
tone  of  piercing  tenderness,  "  My  poor  Deme- 
trius !" — 

Demetrius  moved  to  a  window,  and  stood  there 
in  silence  till  their  mutual  agitation  subsided. 

No  one  is  completely  wretched,  unless  they  are 
abandoned  of  virtue.  While  that  angel  remains 
with  the  human  soul,  springs  of  comfort  arise,  even 
in  the  stony  desart. 

Demetrius  was  speedily  sensible  of  much  con- 
solation :  he  was  conscious  of  having  sacrificed  his 
fondest  wishes  a  second  time  at  the  altar  of  duty  ; 
and,  while  praised  and  pitied  by  his  brother,  while 
blessing  Heaven  for  preserving  to  him  that  faithful 
friend,  was  able  to  curb  rebellious  regret,  and  look 
with  gladness  on  the  brilliant  destiny  of  Charles. 

Yet,  the  perusal  of  a  letter  from  de  Liancour, 
caused  him  much  emotion.     It  affectingly  describee 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.  107 

the  sensibility  with  which  his  daughter  heard  of  the 
death  of  Mr.  de  Fontainvilie,  and  the  constancy  of 
Demetrius:  professed  his  own  satisfaction  at  an 
event,  which  however  solemn,  was  not  to  be  lament- 
ed ;  and  concluded  by  saying,  that  the  moment 
Zaire  left  her  chamber,  (where  she  had  been  con- 
fined with  a  fever,  in  consequence  of  her  late  sur- 
prize ;)  they  would  return  to  Germany. 

It  was  not  in  the  nature  of  our  young  hussar, 
to  read  this  testimony  of  an  attachment  so  faithful 
and  so  ardent,  without  finding  some  portion  of  his 
former  fondness  revive  for  its  seducing  object.  He 
suffered  his  thoughts  ft)  wander  back  over  many 
an  hour  of  trancing  delight;  while  his  eyes,  float- 
ing in  tears,  were  fixed  upon  her  miniature,  which 
he  had  once  given  to  Charles,  and  which  the  latter 
now  restored. 

The  recollection  of  the  moment  in  which  he 
gave  it;  the  sight  of  its  faultless  love-kindling  beau- 
ty ;  the  memory  of  her  looks  and  words,  long  since 
banished  from  his  mind,  grew  tenderer  every  in- 
stant. He  threw  himself  on  a  seat,  and  smiting 
his  breast  with  one  hand,  while  with  the  other  he 
pressed  the  picture  to  his  lips — exclaimed,  "  O 
Charles,  how  is  this  heart  rent  and  divided ! " — 

By  the  gentle  reasoning  and  still  more  persua- 
sive endearments  of  his  brother,  he  was  at  length 
brought  to  composure :  a  secret  pleasure  at  this 
revival  of  a  long  buried  attachment,  spread  healing 


108        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

through  his  breast,  and  after  a  day  spent  in  calmer 
discourse,  he  was  capable  of  visiting  Balzac,  and 
being  introduced  to  Marshal  Ingersdorf. 

Adelaide  received  Demetrius  with  the  affection 
of  a  sister :  her  susceptible  heart  had  entered  too 
much  into  the  feelings  of  her  friend,  and  of  her 
lover,  not  to  throb  with  pain  at  thus  meeting  the 
unfortunate  cause  of  distress  to  both. 

She  now  lavished  on  him,  those  soft  attentions 
which  her  bashfulness  still  deterred  her  from  freely 
bestowing  on  Charles  ;  and  without  appearing  to 
forget  that  the  absent  Constantia  was  mourning  un- 
comforted,  exerted  all  her  "powers  to  animate  and 
to  sooth. 

Marshal  Ingersdorf  cordially  welcomed  the  bro- 
ther of  his  favourite  ,  and,  as  he  was  enthusiastic 
in  "  the  human  face  divine,"  contemplated  Deme- 
trius with  undisguised  pleasure.  He  had  heard  of 
his  personal  advantages ;  but  associating  the  idea  of 
boyishness  with  a  splendid  complexion,  was  agree- 
ably surprized  to  find  the  expression  of  a  matured 
mind,  and  youthful  sensibility  united  in  him.  He 
had  yet  to  discover  the  eloquence  of  that  luminous 
complexion,  when  health  and  animation  should 
again  speak  through  it. 

The  good  canon  and  his  sister  supposing  De- 
metrius an  invalid,  (from  some  occasional  glows  of 
colour,  which  proved  his  paleness  to  be  accidental,) 
were  lavish   in    their   recipes   and    condolements 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        10$ 

their  guest  lent  a  grateful  ear  to  them  ;  as  if  desi- 
rous to  quiet  the  solicitude  of  his  brother,  by  ap- 
pearing to  extract  amusement  from  every  things 

Charles  loved  him  the  more  for  this  amiable 
consideration  j  and  his  own  heart  grew  even  heavier 
than  his. 

It  is  not  to  be  imagined,  however,  that  Count 
Leopolstat  was  so  super-excellent  as  to  be  indiffer- 
ent about  the  completion  of  his  own  peculiar  wish- 
es :  far  from  it.  Till  Adelaide  should  be  his  wife, 
he  dreaded  some  fantastic  improbability  might  start 
up,  and  snatch  her  from  him.  He  had  therefore 
used  part  of  this  evening,  (when  the  rest  of  the 
company  were  otherwise  engaged,)  in  winning  her 
to  no  me  the  day  of  his  happiness.  Blushingly  she 
named  it :  and  blushing  still  more,  she  broke  away 
from  the  indiscreet  rapture,  with  which,  forgetting 
the  presence  of  every  other  person,  he  attempted  to 
catch  her  in  his  arms. 

None  but  the  Marshal  saw  the  hasty  action  :  he 
guessed  its  cause  from  the  retreat  of  his  daughter, 
and  immediately  glided  round  to  Charles.  The 
latter  was  severely  chiding  himself  for  what  he  had 
done,  when  the  old  officer  joined  him  :  The  Mar- 
shal was  easily  mollified  by  his  pathetic  apologies, 
tho  gh  he  called  him  an  indiscreet  vagabond.  He 
he  i  with  pleasure,  that  in  a  week's  time,  his  Ade- 
laide would  resign  herself  to  a  huband's  protection  : 
Upon  which,  he  warned  Charles  to  prepare  himself 

VOL.  II.  L 


110       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

with  some  trifling  present  for  her  ;  as  it  had  been 
the  custom  of  all  the  IngersdorPs  from  the  flood, 
to  exchange  gifts  on  the  morning  of  their  union. 

In  the  interval  between  this  evening,  and  the 
morning  of  the  nuptials,  Demetrius  addressed 
Zaire.  He  resolved  to  think  of  nothing  but  her, 
while  he  wrote  the  letter,  and  consequently,  it 
breathed  only  tenderness. 

From  a  few  lines  of  de  Liancour,  he  learned 
that  they  were  to  sail  for  Hamburgh  by  the  next 
Packet.  A  breeze  could  not  breathe  now,  without 
agitating  him :  so  strongly  mingled  were  his  feel- 
ings of  love  and  pity,  so  blended  were  the  images 
of  the  past,  with  visions  of  the  future,  that  he 
scarcely  knew  what  were  the  unbiassed  wishes  of 
his  heart. 

The  wind  blew  adverse  t©  vessels  from  Eng- 
land ;  and  the  day  of  his  brother's  marriage  found 
Demetrius  still  in  a  state  of  suspense. 

The  Baron  and  Baroness  of  Ingersdorf,  were 
the  only  additions  made  to  the  party  at  Balzac. 
Count  Forshiem  had  been  invited,  but  he  was  en- 
joying a  short  leave  of  absence  in  the  society  of  Lo- 
renza  Soldini,  and  contented  himself  with  sending  a 
letter  of  congratulation. 

Resolving  not  to  cloud  a  day  of  joy  by  one  me- 
lancholy look,  Demetrius  accompanied  his  brother 
to  Balzac.  Blameless  transport  sparkled  in  the 
eyes  of  Charles  :  he  looked  the  happy  man  he  was. 


*HE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        Ill 

Adelaide  met  his  grateful  glances,  with  one  of  mo- 
dest delight.  A  short  ceremony  united  them  ;  giv- 
ing to  the  agitated  Marshal,  a  son  in  whom  he  had 
a  right  to  glory. 

Obedient  to  his  father-in-law,  Charles  now  pre 
sented  Adelaide  with  an  ornament  for  her  arm  ; 
and  she  in  return,  put  into  his  hand  a  roll  of  paper. 
Upon  opening  it,  what  was  his  surprise  to  find  it 
an  instrument  that  restored  to  him,  the  chief  part  of 
his  Hungarian  estates. 

He  had  been  scrupulously  firm,  in  requiring 
every  particle  of  Mam'selle  Ingersdorf's  fortune  to 
be  settled  on  herself,  and  entirely  at  her  disposal  ; 
how  then,  was  he  overwhelmed,  when  he  perceived 
that  the  dowry  he  already  thought  so  large,  was 
but  a  small  division  of  what  must  have  been  her 
portion  ! 

Distressed,  yet  thrilling  with  tender  admiration, 
he  turned  to  seek  Adelaide,  but  she  was  gone  :  the 
Marshal  too,  was  hastily  retreating. — 

u  Stay,  stay,  dear  Sir  !"  cried  Charles,  eagerly 
detaining  him,  u  let  me  not  be  quite  lost  in  this  ex- 
cess of  benefits  !  for  heaven's  sake,  take  back  a  gift 
which  can  only  proceed  from  yon." 

"  Hold  your  tongue,  puppy,  hold  your  tongue  !" 
cried  the  Marshal,  striving  to  break  away,  "  it  was 
the  girl's  proposal :  she  exchanged  her  own  proper- 
ty, to  reclaim  your's,  and  I  have  nothing  to  do  with 
it.     Take  back  !  what  the   deuce,  you  would  not 


112       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

have  me  turn  robber  in  my  old  age,  and  snatch  what 
don't  belong  to  me  ?  and  you  would  not  have  had  me 
leave  the  foolish  child  as  dependent  as  she  had  made 
herself,  would  you  ? — I  have  given  you  nothing  ;  I 
have  parted  with  nothing  for  you,  but  her." — 

"  And  she  ! — O  Sir,"  cried  the  glowing  Charles 
M  how  could  you  believe  me  capable  of  delighting 
in  any  other  possession !" 

"  Well,  well  !  it's  no  business  of  mine,"  repeat- 
ed the  Marshal,  "  settle  it  between  you :  I  only 
know;  the  estates" were  her's  an  hour  ago,  and  now 
they  are  her  husband's  ;  and  when  that  prating  fel- 
low comes  to  be  a  father  like  me,  he  will  rejoice 
to  think,  that  his  virtues  restored  to  his  son,  what 
a  misguided  grandfather  would  have  deprived  him 
of." 

The  Marshal  now  got  away,  without  effort; 
for  a  crowd  of  tumultuous  feelings,  painted  the 
manly  features  of  Charles,  and  loosened  his  ardent 
grasp.  Delighted,  disordered,  entranced,  he  sought 
his  bride,  at  whose  feet  he  poured  forth  his  gratitude 
and  love. 

It  was  in  scenes  like  this,  that  Demetrius  sober- 
ized  his  own  regrets.  Resigned  to  his  lot,  and  re- 
solutely endeavouring  to  meet  it  with  cheerfulness, 
he  waited  the  arrival  of  Zaire,  with  a  mixture  of 
pleasure  and  pain. 

But  never  was  the  image  of  Constantia  absent 
from  his  mind :  She  was  with  him,  thought  itself. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        113 

Only  in  his  prayers  did  he  permit  himself  to  dwell 
on  so  dangerous  a  theme  ;  and  then,  his  soul  sprung 
eagerly  to  recount,  and  bless  her  virtues. 

Constantia  was  now  in  his  neighbourhood  ;  she 
was  at  Munich. 

After  the  departure  of  Demetrius  from  FelieriygS^ 
the  Prince  of  Nuremberg  informed  his  niece,  that 
she  must  prepare  to  return  into  Bavaria:  Constan- 
tia made  no  opposition  ;  for  though  she  wished  to 
remain  in  the  scene  of  past  happiness,  she  \vras  de- 
sirous of  convincing  her  unCW^nat  she  would 
cheerfully  make  every  reasonable  sacrifice  to%  his 
convenience  or  gratification. 

Life,  as  it  now  lay  before  her,  presented  a  dreary 
blank  :  but  she  reflected,  that  it  was  still  in  her 
power  to  fill  up  that  blank,  with  beneficial  actions  j 
and  therefore  resolved  to  seek  occasions  for  using. 
her  wealth  worthily,  and  exercising  the  social  af- 
fections. 

The  love  she  bore  Demetrius  had  been  too  long 
indulged,  too  closely  coupled  with  the  belief  of  be- 
coming his  wife,  too  much  sanctified  by  the  appro- 
val of  her  parent,  to  admit  the  probability  of  its  ever 
being  transferred. 

She  had  resigned  herself  with  such  passionate 
tenderness,  to  the  contemplation  of  spending  life 
with  him,  that  delicacy  would  have  revolted  from 
realizing  the  fond  dream  with  any  other. 

To  suffer  a  long  period  of  silent  regret ;  anil 
L   2 


114        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS, 

then,  to  find  a  new  interest  spring  up  in  her  hearty 
for  his  offspring,  was  now  the  sole  object  of  her 
hopes  :  she  dwelt  with  thrilling  pensiveness  on  the 
last  idea ;  anticipating  the  moment  in  which  she 
might  be  able  to  behold  a  child  of  his,  without  envy- 
ing its  happy  mother. 

Many,  were  then,  the  romantic  anticipations  of 
her  warm  and  pure  heart ! — In  the  bloom  of  youth 
and  beauty,  she  contemplated  with  satisfaction  the 
years  that  were  to  steal  that  youth  and  beauty  away  ; 
and  while  her  whole  being,  was  but  love  for  De- 
metrius, ardently  prayed  that  Madame  de  Fontain- 
ville  might  render  him  a  happy  husband,  and  a  still* 
happier  father. 

To  the  religion  of  Constantia,  (which  was  not 
a  religion  of  mere  forms)  she  was  indebted  for 
these  consoling  thoughts.  She  had  early  learned  to 
seek  occasions  for  pious  thankfulness  ;  and  now,  so 
far  from  determining  to  be  wretched  the  remainder 
of  her  time,  endeavoured  to  discover  the  best  me- 
thod for  comforting  her  desolate  heart. 

Desolate  that  heart  was,  beyond  all  expression  : 
from  that  of  the  happy  Adelaide,  it  generously 
shrunk  ;  fearful  of  blighting  her  enjoyments,  by  its 
-.adness :  it  was  eternally  exiled  from  the  hope  of 
uniting  with  the  one  so  fondly  chosen ;  and  ha£ 
now  no  tender  relatives  to  lean  on  for  support  under 
oppressive  unkindness. 

Tears  trickled  over  the  clasped  hands  of  Cor- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS*        115 

stantia,  as  she  sat  pondering  on  these  things.  "  No, 
dearest  Saint !"  she  said  softly  to  herself,  (address- 
ing the  shade  of  the  Duchess,)  "  never  shall  this 
hand,  which  yours  joined  with  that  of  Demetrius, 
be  given  to  another  1  My  days  shall  henceforth  be 
devoted  to  blessing  my  fellow-creatures,  without 
thought  of  myself.  The  poor  and  the  forlorn,  shall 
become  my  children  :  O  may  I  find  some  solace  in 
such  sacred  duties !" 

She  then  gazed  on  the  picture  of  Demetrius 
which  lay  on  her  bosom,  till  its  lineaments  floated 
before  her  swimming  eyes.  Sighs  thronged  after 
each  other ;  and  a  fear  of  impropriety  checked  the 
kiss  she  was  just  going  to  give  it :  but  her  pure  con- 
science dispelled  the  momentary  doubt.  "  There 
can  be  no  harm  in  a  love  like  mine,"  she  cried, 
"  which  wants  nothing  but  his  happiness."  Angels 
might  have  sanctioned  this  disinterested  assertion. 

Upon  leaving  Felieri,  she  ordered  every  domes- 
tic to  be  retained  ;  every  pension  to  be  continued; 
and  the  almoner  of  the  late  Duchess  to  distribute, 
as  formerly  unlimited  assistance  to  the  sick  and 
poor.  She  promised  to  make  Felieri  her  residence 
whenever  her  guardian  would  permit,  until  the  day 
that,  terminating  his  power,  should  enable  her  to  re- 
store it  to  the  young  Count  Leopolstat. 

This  avowal,  made  in  the  Prince's  presence, 
threw  him  into  a  fit  of  silent  gloom  which  lasted 
many  hours  during  their  journey.     At  length  he 


116        ,THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

broke  it  himself,  by  making  a  bitter  observation  on 
the  distribution  of  his  illustrious  aunt's  fortune, 

u  Uncle  !"  said  Constantia,  "  let  us  not  grow 
into  enemies.  I  promise  to  avoid  occasions  of  dis- 
pleasing you,  and  I  intreat  you  will  do  the  same  by 
me.  To  reflect  upon  the  memory  of  our  dear  rela- 
tion, is  to  rouse  all  the  indignant  feelings  of  my 
nature.  You  have  no  reason  to  accuse  her  of  in- 
justice :  She  has  shared  the  greatest  part  of  her  pro- 
perty, it  is  true,  between  me,  and  Count  Leopol- 
stat ;  but,  I  had  been  her  companion  for  two  years  : 
I  had  devoted  myself  to  the  task  of  enlivening  her 
solitary  old  age;  and  I  was  portionless:  Count 
Demetrius,  at  the  hazard  of  his  own  life,  preserved 
both  her's  and  mine  ;  and  he  too,  was  poor.  Where, 
then,  was  the  injustice  of  giving  to  the  objects  of 
her  lOve  and  gratitude,  what  they  wanted  so  much  ? 

"  Remember,  Sir,  that  such  censures  will  pro- 
voke two  questions — Did  you  wish  for  a  larger  le- 
gacy, from  interested  motives  ?  or  was  it  merely  be- 
cause it  would  have  proved  much  love  in  the  giver?" 

Constantia's  penetrating  eyes,  seconded  these 
questions  as  she  uttered  them :  the  Prince  reddened, 
while  he  stammered  out  an  affirmative  to  the  latter. 

"  Urge  that  no  more,  Sir  ; — urge  that  no  more,'' 
she  cried  with  great  agitation — "  Your  Highness's 
own  heart  will  tell  you  how  often  and  how  unkindly 
you  chilled  the  affectionate  breast  that  was  ever  open 
to  receive  you.  No  one  can  expect  to  be  loved,  with- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        117 

out  they  love  in  return  :  and  the  remonstrances  you 
made  so  often  against  my  grandmamma's  mode  of 
spending  her  income,  the  haughtiness  with  which 
you  treated  the  noble  youth  that  preserved  her  from 
a  dreadful  death,  were,  I  know,  considered  by  her, 
as  proofs  of  your  indifference." 

"  You  are  admirably  dexterous,  Madam,  at  dis- 
covering excuses  for  a  conduct  by  which  you  are  so 
much  the  gainer  ;"  said  Nuremberg,  u  no  wonder 
you  plead  the  cause  thus  ably.  But  I  query  whether 
the  shade  of  our  relative,  would  accept  this  spirit  of 
temporal  interest,  as  any  great  proof  of  your  disin- 
terested affection." 

"  As  the  greatest,"  exclaimed  Constantia  vehe- 
mently, yet  bursting  into  tears :  "If  I  could  sit  tame- 
ly by,  even  to  weep,  while  she  was  cruelly  traduced, 
I  should  be  unworthy  of  her  goodness. — u  You  "know 
not  my  soul,  uncle,  if  you  really  think  what  you  say : 
wealth  can  have  few  charms  for  a  young  creature  like 
me  whose  whole  existence,  must  henceforth  be  en- 
dured, not  enjoyed  ;  and  who  would  far  rather  bury 
herself  and  her  wretchedness  in  the  cells  of  a  con- 
vent, than  be  thus  forced  to  mingle  in  a  world  where 
she  has  no  longer  any  source  of  happiness." 

The  Princess  of  Nuremberg,  now  kindly  pressed 
the  weeping  Constantia  in  her  arms  :  "  Nay,  you 
must  not  speak  thus  ;"  she  said,  "the  good  Duchess 
was  indeed  more  than  a  parent  to  you  :  but  all  hap- 
piness is  not  buried  with  her !" 


118       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

"Your  Highness's  consolation  on  that  topic,  is  a 
work  of  supererogation,"  observed  the  sarcastic 
Prince.  "  This  young  Lady  had  no  such  extrava- 
gant notion  in  her  head.  She  has  already  given  me 
to  understand,  that  disappointment  in  love,  not  re- 
gret at  the  death  of  a  doting  grandmother,  is  the 
mighty  affliction,  which  makes  the  world  so  hateful 
to  her." 

Constantia  trembled  through  every  fibre,  with  a 
mixture  of  shame  and  indignation.  Resentment  gave 
her  courage,  and  raising  her  face  from  the  bosom  of 
her  aunt,  she  said  with  modest  steadiness,  "  I  ought 
not  to  blush  at  avowing  an  attachment  which  grew 
from  gratitude  and  esteem,  into  a  preference  that 
must  for  ever  exclude  another  :  and  I  will  nottleny, 
that  the  disappointment  of  its  hopes,  is  the  dark  cloud 
which  rests  eternally  on  all  my  prospects. — Sorrows 
for  which  we  are  not  prepared,  Prince,  fall  heavier 
than  those  for  which  we  are:  reflections  on  the  course 
of  nature,  and  observation  of  my  beloved  parent's 
gradual  decay,  had  warned  me  that  I  must  soon  lose 
her :  but  for  the  disappointment" — Constantia  could 
not  proceed  further  ;  her  tender  spirit  yielded  at  the 
thought  of  Demetrius;  and  she  leanedsobbing  against 
the  side  of  the  carriage. 

"  Had  your  affections  been  placed  upon  a  proper 
object,"  returned  the  Prince  after  a  long  silence ;  u  I 
should  have  been  extremely  sorry  for  you :  but  you 
must  not  wonder  at  my  being  irritated,  exasperated 


1PHE    HUNGARIAN    BROTHERS.  11© 

bevond  all  measure,  at  this  union  of  meanness  with 
folly. — To  become  attached  to  a  boy,  a  beggar,  a 
fellow  that  prefers  some  obscure  woman  to  a  Prin- 
cess of  Nuremberg  ! — Gracious  heaven  !  that  one 
should  ever  have  been  offered  to  him ! — The  Du- 
chess must  have  been  deprived  of  her  senses,  thus 
to  disgrace  our  house  and  name  !" 

Constantia's  eyes  sparkled  with  resentment,  "  I 
repeat  to  you,  Sir,"  she  said,  "  that  unless  you  mean 
to  alienate  my  heart  from  you  for  ever,  you  must  no 
longer  speak  of  its  two  dearest  objects  in  such  un- 
worthy terms.  You  are  my  uncle,;  as  such  I  am 
desirous  to  love  and  honour  you  :  but  I  can  do  nei- 
ther, if  you  thus  continue  wantonly  to  afflict,  cruelly 
to  insult  me. 

"  You  know  not  how  much  may  be  done  with 
me,  by  kindness :  treat  me  tenderly,  and  you  shall 
have  no  cause  to  complain  of  my  inattention  even  t9 
your  Highness's  prejudices." 

The  Prince  sternly  surveyed  her.  "  I  find  my 
guardianship  will  be  no  easy  task,  since  I  have  so 
absurd,  and  rebellious  a  spirit,  to  manage.  Do  you 
forget  that  you  are  a  child  ?  That  you  have  lived 
little  more  than  eighteen  years  in  the  world  ? — or 
what  is  it  that  makes  you  presume  to  dictate  terms 
to  your  uncle  ?  I  am  not  to  be  talked  with  in  sen- 
tences out  of  romance  :  I  will  hear  no  more  of  this 
loving-  for  ever,  this  devotedness  to  a  boy  (as  silly 
and  romantic  as  yourself,)   only  because  he  has  a 


120       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

handsome  face,  and  performed  to  admiration,  the 
office  of  a  fire-man." 

Constantia  darted  on  him  another  lightening 
glance,  without  speaking  :  he  went  on  :  "  And  as 
to  the  preposterous  resolution  of  returning  him  the 
Felieri  property,  (unless,  indeed,  it  be  a  thing  col- 
leagued  between  you,  for  the  sake  of  giving  him  an 
opportunity  of  acting  generosity,)  I  have  no  terms 
strong  enough  to  call  it  by.  However,  I  sincerely 
believe,  that  in  six  weeks  you  will  learn  the  value 
of  property ;  and  in  six  weeks  more,  most  likely, 
transfer  yourself  and  your  power  of  doing  ridicu- 
lous acts,  to  some  other  man  entitled  to  demand 
your  hand." 

"  When  I  do,  Sir,"  answered  the  young  Princess, 
"  I  give  you  leave  to  lavish  on  me  all  those  conci- 
liatory epithets  with  which  you  have  now  honour- 
ed me." 

As  she  spoke,  she  wrapped  herself  round  in  her 
mantle,  and  leaned  back^in  her  carriage,  with  a  look 
that  seemed  to  say,  "  I  shall  speak  no  more  on  this 
subject."  The  Prince  understood  it;  and  his  wife 
remained  silent  also. 

Constantia's  soul  was  resolute,  but  her  delicate 
frame  ill-seconded  its  strength:  she  now  shook 
through  every  limb ;  and  her  heart  palpitated  to 
sickness.  To  this  momentary  exertion  of  spirit, 
langorir  succeeded,  which  for  the  remainder  of  the 
journey  preserved  her  in  dejected  silence. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        121 

At  Munich,  she  was  plunged  into  a  vortex  of 
company.  The  Prince  scrupulously  attended  to 
etiquette  in  suspending  his  public  days  ;  but  under 
the  name  of  friendly  parties,  crowded  his  house  a? 
usual. 

Nothing  could  be  more  disagreeable  to  his  niece, 
than  the  sight  of  strangers  at  such  a  period;  yet  she 
strove  to  conciliate  where  she  wished  to  esteem, 
and  constraining  her  heart,  appeared  at  all  his  as- 
semblies. 

The  youth  and  beauty  of  the  Princess,  were  now 
almost  unnoticed:  though  she  was  formed  to  charm 
a  fine  taste,  under  every  humour,  her  present  me- 
lancholy was  far  from  attracting  the  multitude ;  and 
she  herself  had  no  motive  for  pleasing.  Those  eyes, 
which  by  exciting  sweet  emotions,  embellished  the 
very  beauty  they  gazed  on,  were  far  away :  Con- 
stantia  had  no  one  to  be  charming  for;  and  her  soul, 
careless  of  display,  dwelt  inward. 

From  the  gaze  of  curiosity,  or  momentary  ad- 
miration, she  turned  mournfully  away,  seeking  her 
only  pleasure  in  the  sports  of  her  little  cousin,  (a 
boy  of  five  years  old,)  to  whose  endearing  gaiety, 
she  often  owed  a  respite  from  painful  musings. 

The  countenance  of  this  child  reminded  her  of 
Demetr'us. — Amadeus,  indeed,  resembled  his  fair 
cousin,  and  she  was  something  like  her  lover ;  yet 
none  but  a  lover's  eye,  would  have  discovered  any 
similitude  between  Demetrius  and  the  little  Nv> 

VOL,    II,  M 


122        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS* 

remberg. — We  are  apt  to  think  those  objects  strict- 
ly alike,  which  produce  in  us  the  same  emotions ; 
and  turning  from  the  sight  of  angry  frowns  or  pert 
simpers,  to  the.  contemplation  of  blOom,  candour, 
and  intelligence,  Constantia  delighted  to  fancy  that 
she  found  in  features  so  animated,  a  sketch  of  her 
Leopolstat'sr 

She  was  one  evening  hearing  the  little  fellow 
-  ay  his  prayers,  before  he  should  be  taken  to  bed, 
when  the  door  of  the  room  opened,  and  she  beheld 
Adelaide. 

"  Dear,  unkind  Constantia ! "  cried  the  latter, 
advancing,  and  folding  her  arms  round  her,  f  why 
have  you  left  us  to  learn  by  chance  of  your  arrival 
here."— 

u  I  wished  to  be  in  better  health  and  spirits  : " 
replied  the  Princess.  "  I  knew  your  affectionate 
heart  too  well,  not  to  believe  that  my  unavoidable 
sadness  would  afflict  it." 

She  then  rose  from  the  embrace  of  Adelaide,  and 
beheld  Charles  standing  near  them. 

At  sight  of  him,  the  brother  of  Demetrius,  her 
cheeks  completely  faded :  but  quickly  the  blush  of 
innocent  shame  made  them  glow  again.  Charles 
was  penetrated  with  regret.  To  see  so  sweet  a 
creature  thus  blighted  in  the  very  bud  of  existence ; 
to  observe  her  charming  countenance,  announcing 
every  qualification  requisite  to  render  that  existence 
honourable  and  happy,  now  dimmed  with  disap- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        l2o 

pointment ;  to  recal  what  she  had  been  so  lately, 
while  beholding  what  she  was  now,  gave  an  ex- 
pression of  tenderness  to  his  looks,  equal  to  that 
with  which  he  was  accustomed  to  regard  Deme- 
trius. 

Constantia  compreher  ded  his  thoughts,  and  tears 
started  into  her  eyes.  She  tried  to  smile — "  Have  I 
the  satisfaction,"  she  said,  "  of  seeing  my  friend's 
husband,  in  Count  Leopolstat  ?" 

The  blush  of  Adelaide,  and  smile  of  Charles, 
answered  this  question. 

Constantia  was  magnificently  dressed  for  a  sup- 
per party  of  her  aunt's  ;  but  regardless  of  every 
ornament,  had  lifted  her  nephew  from  the  ground, 
and  now  held  him  on  her  bosom  sheltered  by  the 
train  of  her  velvet  robe.  The  disturbance  of  her 
fine  hair,  (part  of  which  braided  with  jet,  fell  over 
her  fair  shoulders  ;)  and  the  destruction  of  a  beau- 
tiful bouquet,  never  excited  a  moment's  conside- 
ration :  she  kept  sheltering  the  almost-undressed 
Amadeus  in  her  arms  ;  and  unconsciously  looked 
far  more  graceful  than  ever  she  did  in  all  the  preci- 
sion of  the  toilette. 

The  errand  of  Adelaide  was  to  invite  her  friend 
to  Marshal  Ingersdorf 's  house ;  or  if  that  were  de- 
nied, to  offer  herself  as  her  visitor. 

"  And  did  you  believe  me  capable  of  tearing 
oux  from  such  a  companion  as  that  ? "  asked  the 
rincess,  directing  her  eyes  to  Charles,  who  had 


124        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

purposely  taken  the  pretty  Amadeus  from  its  fair 
nurse,  and  was  now  caressing  him  at  a  remote  end 
of  the  apartment.  "  Happy  Adelaide,"  she  added, 
"  how  do  I  delight  in  the  fate  that  has  given  you 
such  a  husband !" 

The  brilliant  eyes  of  Adelaide  were  at  the  same 
time  fixed  on  the  same  graceful  object :  in  sweet 
tumult,  her  heart  was  repeating  to  itself,  "  he  is 
mine!  he  is  mine!"  while  memory  rapidly  recalled 
his  various  excellencies.  But  the  very  fulness  of 
her  own  felicity,  made  her  friend's  cup  appear  more 
bitter ;  and  she  embraced  her  with  redoubled  ten- 
derness, protesting,  that  to  comfort  one  so  dear, 
would  turn  a  painful  sacrifice,  into  a  gratification. 

"  I  am  sure  it  would;"  replied  Constantia,  "  and 
I  reject  so  kind  an  offer,  for  powerful  reasons.  For 
awhile,  it  will  be  better  that  I  should  not  see  even 
your  Charles — he  is  too  like — his  voice — his  smile 
— that  expression  of  noble  sincerity."  Her  falter- 
ing accents  lost  themselves  in  sighs,  and  a  flood  of 
tears  came  to  her  relief. 

Adelaide  pressed  her  hand,  while  she  whisper- 
ed, "  But  you  shall  not  see  him  again  till  you  wish 
it,  if  you  will  but  go  with  me  to  my  father's,  or  suf- 
fer me  to  come  to  you." — 

"  Alas  I  cannot : "  replied  the  Princess,  "  I 
should  be  lost,  if  I  were  to  have  any  one  near  me 
so  tender  as  yourself:  my  grief  must  not  be  in- 
dulged :   and  besides,  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg  is 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        125 

not  likely  to  bear  the  name  of  Leopolstat,  without 
emotions  that  would  render  him  an  ungracious  host 
to  my  best  friend.  Visit  me  then  in  this  way — 
comfort  me  with  your  occasional  society,  and  you 
will  soon  see  me  as  gay  as  ever." 

"  As  gay  as  ever  ! — ah,  my  dear  Constantia  ! M 
— while  Adelaide  repeated  these  words,  her  eyes 
filled  with  tears. 

Constantia  then  ventured  to  ask  after  Deme- 
trius :  and  learned  that  he  was  still  in  expectation 
of  his  friends  from  England.  <\  hen  the  flutter  with 
which  she  listened  to  this,  was  over,  she  rang  the 
bell,  and  desired  a  servant  to  inform  her  uncle  and 
aunt,  that  the  Count  and  Countess  of  Leopolstat 
were  then  with  her.  This  message  was  answered 
by  another,  purporting  that  the  Prince  would  be 
happy  to  see  them  in  the  drawing-room. 

The  uniform  of  Charles,  was  acknowledged 
dress ;  and  his  lovely  bride,  merely  laving  aside  her 
.pelisse  and  hat,  was  habited  for  an  evening:  Con- 
stantia gave  the  child  to  its  attendants,  and  led  the 
way  to  the  drawing  room. 

A  brilliant  assembly  filled  the  spacious  saloon, 
at  the  top  of  which,  Count  Leopolstat  recognised 
the  Princess  of  Nuremberg.  She  met  his  graceful 
salute  with  a  cordiality  restrained  by  fear:  her  hus- 
band coldly  bowed. 

The  majestic  manhood  of  Charles,  his  unem- 
barrassed nay  almost  commanding  mein,  his  high 

m  2 


126       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

military  station,  and  his  established  fame,  somewhat 
awed  the  Prince.  It  was  not  now,  a  rash,  indiscreet 
youth,  undervaluing  his  own  qualities,  and  forget- 
ting his  own  services,  that  stood  before  him  :  it  was 
a  man  conscious  of  desert,  as  well  as  birth  ;  one, 
that  was  not  to  be  insulted,  without  bringing  upon 
his  insulter,  universal  opprobrium. 

Meanly  influenced  by  public  opinion,  Nurem- 
berg assumed  the  Prince,  mingled  a  little  courtesy 
With  his  loftiness,  and  condescended  to  receive 
Count  Leopolstat  with  the  respect  due  to  his  repu- 
tation. 

Constantia's  soft  heart  melted  at  this  unexpected 
graciousness.  Without  suffering  herself  to  see  its 
motive,  she  strove  to  evince  her  gratification  by  a 
vivacity  which  helped  to  enliven  her  uncle's  visitors, 
while  it  saddened  her  own.  They  were  too  much 
in  her  bosom's  secret,  to  be  deceived  by  externals. 

When  supper  was  over,  the  chamberlain  in- 
formed the  Count  and  Countess  of  Leopolstat,  that 
apartments  were  prepared  for  them  in  the  palace. 
They  did  not  therefore  leave  Munich  till  the  next 
morning. 

It  required  all  the  tenderness  of  Charles  to  sooth 
the  grief  of  his  wife,  after  parting  for  the  night  from 
Princess  Constantia. — The  pain  of  seeing  her  youth- 
ful person  so  altered,  overcame  Adelaide,  and  sink- 
ing upon  a  seat,  the  tears  she  had  restrained  before 
her,  fell  uncontroled  on  the  bosom  of  her  husband- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHEBS.         127 

% 

But  even  tears  thus  shed,  had  their  sweetness ; 
Adelaide  remembered  the  time,  when  she  wept 
alone  and  uncomforted  for  his  sake  ;  and  as  his 
arms  now  fondly  encircled  her,  almost  wondered  at 
herself  for  ever  weeping  at  any  thing. 

"  We  should  be  too  happy,"  she  said  with  nai- 
vete, "  far  too  happy,  if  it  were  not  for  our  dear 
Demetrius,  and  Constantia." 

Never  to  Charles,  did  the  voice  of  Adelaide 
sound  so  delightful,  as  when  she  spoke  affectionately 
of  his  brother.  His  eyes  now  filled  with  more  than 
their  usual  tenderness  ;  he  covered  her  hand  with 
kisses,  and  uttered  over  it,  an  exclamation  of  grate- 
ful pleasure. 

When  we  love  excellent  persons,  their  conduct 
under  misfortune,  never  fails  to  solace  the  pain  with 
which  we  participate  in  their  calamity  :  Leopolstat 
drew  from  the  fortitude  of  Constantia,  solid  conso- 
lation for  his  wife.  She  was  too  susceptible  of 
whatever  is  admirable  in  human  character,  not  to 
confess  that  Constantia' s  evident  endeavour  to  stifle 
regret,  and  to  fulfil  the  duties  of  her  important  sta 
tion,  was  a  cordial  to  her  own  distress. 

Before  the  family  assembled  at  breakfast  the 
next  morning,  the  friends  passed  two  hours  toge- 
ther. In  this  interview  Adelaide  found  fresh  rea- 
sons for  lamenting  the  trials  of  a  young  creature, 
whose  tender  heart  embracing  all  the  sufferers  of 


128       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS,, 

earth,  already  began  to  occupy  itself  with  number- 
less plans  for  their  succour. 

Constantia  had  none  of  that  selfish  weakness, 
which  delights  in  extracting  the  commiseration  of 
friendship  by  an  unnecessary  display  of  irremedia- 
ble misery:  she  therefore  did  not  dwell  on  the  sub* 
ject  heaviest  in  her  breast,  nor  express  her  deter- 
mination of  never  marrying.  But  Adelaide  guessed 
this  resolution.  The  Princess  chalked  out  a  scheme 
of  her  future  life,  which  spread  so  wide  in  munifi- 
cent expense,  and  was  so  remote  from  all  idea  of 
control,  that  she  unawares  betrayed  her  secret.  The 
Countess  sighed  as  she  perceived  it,  inwardly  re- 
pining at  the  destiny  which  prevented  them  from 
being  sisters. 

As  they  were  about  to  join  the  family,  Constan- 
tia said,  hesitatingly — u  Remember  me  to  Deme- 
trius ;  but  how,  I  know  not : — as  his  friend,  his 
unchangeable  friend  !" — she  cast  down  her  eyes, 
sighed  deeply,  and  then  resumed — "  Whatever  may 
befall  him,  Adelaide,  let  me  always  know  it :  I 
could  not  live,  without  permitting  myself  to  share 
in  every  one  of  his  joys  or  sorrows.  You  misun- 
derstand me  sadly,  if  you  suppose  me  capable  of 
forgetting  him — ah  no — the  hope  of  living  to  hear 
he  is  quite  happy — perhaps  of  witnessing  that  hap- 
piness— alone  animates  my  soul." 

The  appearance  of  the  Princess  of  Nuremberg 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        129 

at  an  opposite  door  opening  into  the  same  gallery, 
checked  the  reply  of  Adelaide. 

Glad  of  an  opportunity  to  shew  attention  where 
it  was  due,  and  removed  from  the  petrific  glance 
of  her  husband,  the  Princess  approached  Madame 
Leopolstat,  and  made  her  usual  enquiries  about  her 
accommodations  and  rest,  which  though  nothing  in 
themselves,  are  transmuted  into  precious  things  by 
a  gracious  manner. 

Adelaide  answered  this  courteousness  with  a 
smile  that  invited  further  kindness  ;  and  by  several 
remarks  on  the  young  Amadeus,  made  her  way  in- 
stantly to  the  heart  of  his  mother. 

The  ladies  then  entered  the  breakfast  room,  and 
found  Count  Leopolstat  and  the  Prince  already 
there. 

In  the  long  conversation  which  these  gentlemen 
had  held,  upon  books,  politics,  and  persons,  the 
former  sounded  without  difficulty,  the  intellect  of 
the  latter  :  he  found  it  miserably  shallow  ;  and  con- 
sequently pitied  those  otherwise-detestable  preju- 
dices, which  were  the  joint  product  of  a  defective 
education  and  a  feeble  mind. 

Had  a  man  of  sense  acted  as  the  Prince  of  Nu- 
remberg did,  Leopolstat  would  have  treated  him 
with  austere  indignation :  but  convinced  that  his 
conduct  resulted  from  an  ill-humoured  temperament 
which  knew  not  the  restraint  of  reason,  he  looked 


130        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

at  him  with  compassion,  and  behaved  to  him  with 
civility. 

As  they  had  both  avoided  a  discussion  of  the 
transactions  at  Felieri,  they  sat  down  to  breakfast 
with  more  appearance  of  cordiality,  than  they  had 
met  the  evening  before. 

Charles  caressed  the  little  Amadeus  with  so 
much  sweetness,  (allowing  him  to  twist  his  hair  into 
a  thousand  fantastic  forms)  that  he  thawed  some 
of  the  ice  on  the  heart  of  the  Prince  ;  who  must 
have  been  a  monster,  had  he  not  felt  like  a  father, 
while  his  child  was  yet  of  that  happy  age,  from 
which  nothing  can  spring  to  jar  parental  affection. 

He  condescended  to  say,  that  when  Count  Leo- 
polstat  should  be  released  from  service  and  resident 
in  Vienna,  he  should  have  the  honour  of  returning 
this  visit,  and  that  till  then,  he  hoped  to  have  the 
pleasure  of  receiving  him  and  his  Countess  occa- 
sionally at  Munich. 

Charles  bowed ;  but  took  care  to  shew  that  he 
accepted  so  haughty  an  invitation,  principally  from 
a  wish  of  facilitating  the  interviews  of  his  wife  and 
the  young  Princess. 

Soon  after  breakfast,  the  carriage  was  announced, 
and  Adelaide  bade  adieu  to  her  friend. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.       121 


CHAP.  VI. 


ON  the  road  to  Dutlingen,  they  encounterd  De- 
metrius, who  was  gallopping  home  after  having  ex- 
ecuted some  orders  given  him  by  the  General.  As 
he  leaned  from  his  horse  against  the  opened  window 
of  the  carriage,  his  excessive  paleness  alarmed  the 
Count  and  Countess. 

Charles  observed  such  a  tremor  in  his  voice, 
that  he  hastily  asked  if  any  thing  extraordinary  had 
happened  ?  His  brother  alternately  changing  colour 
said,  u  I  have  received  a  letter  from  Madame  de 
Fontainville  : — She  is  at  Hamburgh  very  ill — and 
I  cannot  obtain  leave  to  go  to  her.1' — The  extreme 
agitation  of  his  manner,  rendered  these  few  sen- 
tences almost  unintelligible. 

Adelaide  laid  her  hand  affectionately  on  his,  be- 
seeching him  not  to  alarm  himself,  as  she  doubted 
not  but  Madame  de  Fontainville's  sickness  was 
the  consequence  of  a  long-protracted  voyage. 

u  I  hope  so,"  replied  Demetrius,  still  trembling 
in  his  speech — "  but  to  know  she  is  in  the  same 


132        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

country  with  me — and  so  ill ! — I  would  give  the 
world  to  go  to  her — she  will  think  me  ungrateful — 
cold-hearted — vou  know  not  how  this  intelligence 
has  affected  me." 

"  I  see  how  much  it  has,"  observed  Charles  j 
**  but  my  dear  brother  you  agitate  yourself  without 
cause.  Madame  de  Fontainville  is  acquainted  with 
the  restraints  laid  on  a  soldier  during  war  ;  she  will 
not,  she  cannot  expect  you. — A  letter  is  the  only 
proof  of  anxiety  which  duty  leaves  in  your  power. 
— What  is  is  her  complaint :" 

"  Here  are  the  few  lines  she  has  written,"  said 
Demetrius,  holding  them  out,  with  an  unsteady 
hand  ;  u  they  were  meant  to  save  me  from  appre- 
hension :  but  instead  of  that,  they  make  me  fear." 
—  :Iis  lips  refused  to  utter  what  he  feared  ;  for  in 
the  probability  of  losing  Zaire  by  death,  he  lost  all 
consciousness  of  preferring  another. 

Upon  reading  the  letter,  Charles  found  that 
Madame  de  Fontainville's  disorder  was  a  violent 
fever  in  consequence  of  a  boisterous  voyage  :  Seeing 
no  grounds  for  encouraging  premature  alarm,  he 
suggested  so  many  cheering  circumstances,  that  De- 
metrius became  composed. 

"  Ah  that  apprehensive  heart  of  his  !"  cried 
Charles,  (as  he  drew  up  the  carriage  window,  and 
his  brother  kissed  his  hand  to  them  with  a  tearful 
smile)  u  when  will  he  be  able  to  allay  its  restless 
sensibility  i '"    He  spoke  this  with  the  air  of  a  man 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        133 

engrossed  by  one  object ;  and  Adelaide  forbore  to 
disturb  the  current  of  his  reflections.  He  fell  into 
a  deep  reverie  about  Demetrius  ;  while  her  thoughts 
roved  from  supposition  to  supposition,  from  Ham- 
burgh to  Munich,  from  Zaire  living,  to  Zaire  dead, 
with  an  agitation  that  made  fancy  painful. 

On  reaching  home,  (for  Charles  had  hired  a 
house  pro  tempore,)  they  found  the  Field  Marshal 
impatient  for  their  return. 

u  So  you  vagrants  !"  he  cried,  "  you  have  found 
the  way  back  at  last.  I  have  had  a  precious  dis- 
mal time  of  it  since  you  left  me — what  with  the 
want  of  my  breakfast-maker,  and  what  with  your 
brother,  Charles  !  (who  by  the  way,  is  at  once  one 
of  the  most  agreeable  and  disagreeable  puppies  in 
existence,)  I  am  both  hungry  and  miserable.  I 
foresee  he'll  cost  me  as  many  sighs  as  might  fill  the 
sails  of  a  navy.  What  the  plague  did  you  bring 
him  from  Italy  for  ?  Had  1  not  had  enough  of  tor- 
ment with  you  ?  I  have  been  trying  to  get  him  ten 
days'  leave  ;  but  it  can't  be  done  :  and  so,  doubtless 
I  mast  set  off  myself  for  Hamburgh,  and  learn 
what's  the  matter  with  the  foolish  woman." 

The  sincerest  concern  struggled  through  the  jo- 
cularity of  the  Marshal.  Ignorant  of  young  Leo- 
polstat's  later  attachment  to  Princess  Constantia, 
and  well  acquainted  with  the  violence  of  his  former 
passion,  he  was  earnest  in  the  wkh  of  obtaining  for 

VOL.   II.  N 


134        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

him,  certain  accounts  of  Madame  de  Fontainville's 
situation. 

Adelaide  warmly  seconded  this  benevolent  in- 
tention, and  Charles  accepted  the  service  with  gra- 
titude. 

When  Demetrius  joined  them,  and  learnt  that 
the  Marshal  only  waited  for  a  letter  of  introduction 
to  the  Marquis  de  Liancour,  his  thankfulness  ex- 
pressed itself  in  his  eyes  ;  he  wrote  a  few  agitated 
lines  to  Zaire,  and  then  Ingersdorf  departed. 

This  agitation  of  Demetrius's  was  far  from  as- 
sumed, or  wilfully  fomented.  Constantia,  indeed 
was  the  object  of  his  tenderest  preference ;  but  hav- 
ing once  loved  the  interesting  Zaire,  having  uni- 
formly received  from  her  the  liveliest  testimonies 
of  exclusive  and  faithful  passion,  he  would  have 
been  lost  to  the  common  sensibilities  of  youth,  had 
he  not  contemplated  with  anguish,  the  prospect  of 
her  death.  Before  his  brother  and  sister,  he  con- 
cealed part  of  his  anxiety  ;  and  as  they  never  talked 
more  of  Constantia  than  circumstances  rendered 
unavoidable,  he  was  not  distracted  with  solicitude 
about  her. 

The  third  day  of  the  Marshal's  absence,  Ade- 
laide was  sitting  alone,  expecting  the  return  of  her 
husband  and  brother,  when  she  was  startled  by  the 
sound  of  her  father's  voice  :  She  rose,  and  hasten- 
ing to  the  room  door,  saw  him,  and  the  Marquis 


THE    HUNGARIAN    BROTHERS.  135 

de  Liancour,   slowly  leading  Madame  de  Fontain- 
ville  along  the  gallery. 

Transfixed  into  painful  surprise,  she  stood  for  a 
moment  motionless :  but  dismissing  the  sudden 
emotion,  hurried  forward,  and  took  the  place  of  the 
Marshal.  This  was  no  time  for  questions  ;  Ma- 
dame de  Fontainville  with  difficulty  reached  the 
supper-room,  where  she  sunk  on  a  sopha  without 
speaking.  Softly  instructing  her  companions  how 
best  to  support  her,  Adelaide  would  not  crowd  the 
place  with  attendants,  but  brought  and  administered 
restoratives  herself.  She  had  then  leisure  to  look 
at  the  poor  invalid. 

Where  was  that  beauty  which  seemed  capable 
of  defying  time  and  decay  ?  under  the  grasp  of 
death,  it  hath  withered.  No  crimson  blood  now 
flowed  through  the  finely-rounded  cheek,  and  smil- 
ing mouth  ;  no  sparkling  fluid  floated  over  the  ray- 
less  eyes  ;  that  skin  which  once  dazzled  with 
animated  whiteness  was  turned  to  lifeless  marble  ; 
and  the  shape,  which  a  statuary  might  have  select- 
ed for  a  Phryne,  was  wasted  nearly  away. 

Still,  to  the  gaze  of  pitying  remembrance,  there 
remained  some  touches  of  exquisite  loveliness. 
Adelaide's  tender  heart  melted  within  her;  and 
gently  putting  her  arms  round  the  panting  Zaire, 
she  supported  her  fainting  head  on  her  bosom  !  She 
then  besought  both  gentlemen  to  withdraw;  in  order 
to  prevent  the  abrupt  entrance  of  Leopolstat,  whom 


136       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

she  whispered  them  to  prepare  for  the  extreme  in- 
disposition of  Madame  de  Fontainville. 

When  strength  and  speech  returned  to  Zaire. 
she  expressed  her  gratitude  with  all  the  energy  of 
unsubdued  sensibility. 

"  I  shall  not  live  to  be  your  sister,  sweet  Ade- 
laide !"  she  faintly  said,  "  but  this  goodness  makes 
me  feel  as  if  I  were  so. — I  am  much  better  now ; 
where  is  Demetrius? — Surely  the  sight  of  him, 
will  give  me  back  my  life  !" 

Tears  gushed  to  her  eyes,  as  she  pronounced 
ihis  hopeless  wish :  they  started  in  those  of  her 
pitying  attendant. — Adelaide  hastened  to  change 
the  subject,  by  inquiring  how  they  had  met  thus 
soon?  With  a  gasping  breath,  Madame  de  Fon- 
tainville related,  that  having  overcome  the  crisis  of 
her  fever,  and  being  impatient  to  see  Demetrius, 
she  had  prevailed  upon  her  father  to  proceed;  and 
had  reached  a  stage  fifty  miles  distant,  when  com- 
pletely overcome,  they  stopped  for  the  night. 
Marshal  Ingersdorf  happened  to  hear  their  names 
mentioned  as  he  was  changing  horses  at  the  same 
inn,  and  immediately  presented  himself.  He  would  • 
have  persuaded  her  to  remain  where  she  was,  (her 
fever  having  returned),  but  she  foreboded  too  sad  a 
termination,  to  follow  his  judicious  counsel :  she 
persisted  in  proceeding ;  and  the  dejected  de  Lian- 
cour  had  nothing  left  but  to  accept  the  services  of 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.  137 

the  Marshal,  and  permit  him  to  become  their  com- 
panion onwards. 

Unintentionally  deceived  by  the  worthy  Ingers- 
dorf,  who  painted  the  anxiety  of  Demetrius  in  the 
most  vivid  colours,  Madame  de  Fontainville  never 
for  an  instant  suspected  that  the  heart  of  her  lover, 
had  yielded  up  its  passion  at  the  command  of  virtue. 
Adelaide  perceived  this ;  and  thought  it  no  crime 
to  indulge  so  soothing  an  error. 

When  her  patient  was  sufficiently  recovered, 
she  ceded  to  her  impatience,  and  went  in  search  of 
Demetrius  :  he  was  now  with  de  Liancour  and  the 
Marshal,  listening  to  the  unexpected  confession  of 
Zaire's  danger. 

Never  before,  had  Adelaide  beheld  such  anguish 
in  the  countenance  of  any  human  creature.  He  was 
shocked  past  all  expression  :  for  the  very  conscious- 
ness of  preferring  another,  to  a  woman  so  devoted, 
and  once  so  beloved,  added  stings  to  the  barh  of 
grief. 

He  now  eagerly  obeyed  his  sister's  summons. 
At  the  door  of  Zaire's  apartment,  he  turned  to 
Adelaide,  and  said  hastily  "  Leave  me  here."  He 
entered  ;  and  Adelaide  lingered  a  moment,  fearful 
of  the  effect  which  his  presence  might  have  on  Ma- 
dame de  Fontainville.  His  passionate  exclamation 
of  tenderness  and  sorrow,  was  lost  in  sighs  :  but 
she  distinctly  heard  Zaire  say,  u  Yes — your's  ; — 
vour's  still,  even  in  death." 

N  2 


138       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

Adelaide  then  moved  lightly  away,  and  meeting 
Charles,  was  led  by  him  into  a  neighbouring  apart- 
ment :  there  they  mourned  together,  in  silence. 

On  the  arrival  of  a  physician,  for  whom  Count 
Leopolstat  had  sent,  Adelaide  went  to  procure  Ma- 
dame de  Fontainville's  permission,  for  his  admit- 
tance :  the  appearance  of  her  gentle  figure  at  the 
room-door,  roused  Demetrius  :  he  folded  the  still- 
dear  Zaire,  ardently  in  his  arms,  and  whispering  a 
benediction  for  the  night,  broke  from  her.— 

Adelaide  approached  the  invalid. — "  Whatever 
becomes  of  me,"  cried  the  latter,  with  wild  enthusi- 
asm, "  I  am  happy,  completely  happy  ! — I  have 
seen  him  ! — I  have  again  felt  the  throbbing  of  that 
faithful  heart ! — I  shall  see  him  to-morrow  too  ! — 
O  gracious,  too  indulgent  Heaven!"  At  these 
words,  she  fell  back  in  a  fit,  occasioned  by  excess  of 
grief,  and  excess  of  joy. 

The  aid  of  the  physician  was  now  found  indis- 
pensable :  his  utmost  efforts  to  calm  her  convulsive 
agitation  were  a  long  time  fruitless :  at  length  shfc 
sunk  into  a  dull  trance,  during  which,  she  was  con- 
veyed to  bed  ;  andtfrom  which  she  awoke,  deprived 
of  reason. 

The  spirits  of  Charles  and  Adelaide,  were  now 
severely  tasked :  as  this  delirium  was  the  conse- 
quence of  hurried  feelings,  and  might  be  dated  from 
the  hour  in  which  she  heard  of  her  husband's  death, 
and  as  it  was   accompanied  by  a  raging  fever,  flO 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        139 

hopes  were  entertained  of  her  recovery.  To  com- 
fort the  father,  to  quiet  tfie  irritable  sensibility  of 
the  Marshal,  to  prepare  the  mind  of  Demetrius,  and 
to  write  a  short  detail  of  their  situation  to  Princess 
Constantia,  sadly  occupied  the  before-happy  hours 
of  the  young  Countess. 

Benevolence  is  nearly  omnipotent :  for  the  deli- 
cate Adelaide  found  not  only  mental  but  bodily* 
strength  for  all  these  exertions. 

During  a  whole  week,  never  once  did  a  ray  of 
reason  penetrate  the  darkened  intellect  of  Zaire : 
yet  its  visions  were  delightfully  bright ;  and  she 
seemed  to  preserve  in  madness,  the  transporting 
emotion  by  which  it  had  been  produced. 

While  gazing  on  the  rapturous  smile  dimpling 
her  hectic  cheek,  while  listening  to  the  ecstatic  fond- 
ness with  which  she  addressed  the  object  of  her 
fatal  attachment,  Demetrius  no  longer  regretted  that 
she  had  been  innocently  deceived.  He  sat  night 
and  day  by  her  side,  though  she  knew  him  not ; 
and  perpetually  spoke  to  others  of  him,  as  if  he  were 
absent. 

In  answer  to  her  friend's  letter,  Constantia 
wrote  a  reply  fraught  with  sympathy.  She  accom- 
panied it  with  a  variety  of  such  presents  as  are 
sometimes  acceptable  to  the  sick,  and  which  cannot 
always  be  procured  ;  intrusting  them  to  the  care  of 

the  celebrated  Dr. ,  the  first  physician  in  Sua- 

fcia)  for  whom  she  had  sent  express  to  Ulm. 


140        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

A  greater  proof  of  love  and  humanity,  Con- 
stantia  could  not  have  given  :  Adelaide  burned  to 
tell  Demetrius  to  whom  he  was  indebted  for  such 
tender  consideration :  but  a  moment's  reflection 
shewed  her  the  indiscretion  of  reviving  ideas  that 
must  clash  with  his  present  feelings. 

The  prescriptions  of  Dr. ,  were  as  unavail- 
ing as  those  of  the  Bavarian  physician :  yet  it  was 
consolatory  to  have  the  best  possible  advice.  Zaire's 
senses  wrere  gone  past  recal ;  and  her  life,  was  there- 
fore no  longer  the  subject  of  her  father's  prayers ! 

Foreseeing  the  hour  of  her  dissolution,  the 
medical  men  recommended  Charles  to  detain  his 
brother  from  her  apartment.  For  this  purpose  an 
excuse  was  devised,  which  betrayed  Demetrius 
into  the  belief  that  her  slumbers  ought  to  be  watch- 
ed only  by  Adelaide.  He  left  her  unwillingly  ;  and 
went  wTith  his  brother  to  breathe  the  air,,  in  an  ave» 
nue  leading  from  the  house. 

Here  Count  Leopolstat  tenderly  sought  to  pre- 
pare and  fortify  his  mind  for  the  shock  that  awaited 
him.  Demetrius  heard  in  silence  :  but  his  spirits 
so  lately  saddened  by  the  death  of  the  Duchess  di 
Felieri,  were  incapable  of  receiving  any  other  than 
mournful  impressions.  To  their  distempered  view, 
one  universal  pall  seemed  to  cover  the  whole  living 
world  :  he  brooded  over  death  and  the  grave  with 
a  terrible  composure,  which  resulted  from  the  com 
plete  despair  of  future  comfort. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        141 

On  reaching  the  house  again,  this  calmness  end- 
ed. They  met  Marshal  Ingersdorf  at  the  hall-door: 
he  was  pale  and  agitated.  Shocked  by  the  expres- 
sion of  his  features,  Demetrius  would  have  rushed 
past  him,  had  he  not  forcibly  pulled  him  back,  ex- 
claiming in  a  tone  that  would  not  suffer  him  to  be 
mistaken — u  You  must  not  go  in  there." 

The  worthy  veteran  hastily  drew  out  his  hand- 
kerchief and  covered  his  face. 

Rooted  to  the  spot,  Demetrius  gazed  at  him  with 
wild  fixedness,  for  a  moment,  that  seemed  an  age 
to  his  afflicted  brother — "  My  God !  for  what  am  I 
reserved  ?  " — he  said,  and  turned  away. — 

Charles  walked  silently  by  his  side  till  they  reach- 
ed their  quarters  :  there,  tenderly  embracing,  they 
parted,  without  having  exchanged  a  single  word. 

Leaving  his  brother  to  the  salutary  indulgence 
of  a  sorrow  in  which  he  participated,  Count  Leo- 
polstat,  retrod  the  path  towards  Dutlingen:  he  was 
anxious  to  be  with  Adelaide,  whose  spirit  was  likely 
to  fail  under  the  present  shock. 

As  he  swiftly  traversed  the  skirts  of  the  forest, 
his  thoughts  unavoidably  dwelt  on  the  awful  lesson 
which  this  untimely  death  of  Madame  de  Fontain- 
ville,  presented  to  the  young  and  susceptible. 

To  a  sensibility  perniciously  indulged,  and  blind 
to  every  thing  beyond  present  enjoyment,  she  evi- 
dently owed  the  loss  of  her  life.  Had  she  submit- 
ted to  a  short  delay  of  promised  blessings,  and  con- 


142        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

suited  not  her  own  gratification,  but  the  peace  of 
her  father,  by  sacrificing  impetuous  eagerness,  to 
his  parental  fears,  she  might  have  lived  and  been 
happy.  Instead  of  that  she  had  given  reins  to  the 
wildest  agitation ;  destroyed  her  frame  by  impatient 
agonies  at  their  protracted  voyage ;  and  when  seiz- 
ed with  sickness,  thought  only  of  beholding  Deme- 
trius, without  reflecting  on  the  grief  she  was  caus- 
ing a  tender  parent,  or  that  which  must  overwhelm 
her  lover,  should  she  die  in  his  presence. 

Charles  deeply  ruminated  on  these  things.  He 
tenderly  pitied  where  he  was  forced  to  cepsure ;  and 
though  convinced  that  this  mournful  event  would 
eventually  produce  a  greater  share  of  comfort  to  his 
brother  than  could  otherwise  have  been  his  lot,  he 
sorrowed  most  sincerely  that  any  circumstance 
should  have  rendered  it  desirable. 

As  he  expected,  Adelaide  was  hardly  able  to  go 
through  with  the  pious  offices  remaining  to  be  ful- 
filled. Zaire  had  expired  in  her  arms:  happily  with- 
out struggle  or  consciousness  ;  but  an  event  so  af- 
fecting at  any  other  time,  was  doubly  dreadful  at 
this  period,  when  the  heart  of  Adelaide,  warm  with 
love  and  felicity,  and  just  united  eternally  to  the 
object  of  its  fondest  choice,  shrunk  from  the  recol- 
lection of  decay  and  mortality. 

She  had  not  beefi  above  three  weeks  a  wife,  and 
almost  every  hour  of  that  short  space,  had  been 
filled  with  sharing  in  other's  sufferings.  But  Charier 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS,        143 

praised  her;  Charles  repeated  the  endearing  ex- 
pressions of  tenderness  exulting  in  its  object,  and 
she  forget  regret. 

A  brief  yet  severe  illness,  confined  Demetrius 
to  his  chamber,  during  the  interval  that  elapsed  be- 
tween the  death  of  Madame  de  Fontainville,  and 
the  interment  of  her  remains  :  Charles  fulfilled 
every  requisite  duty  for  him  ;  and  saw  the  beau- 
teous corse  laid  in  its  last  bed,  with  the  same  so- 
lemnities and  honours,  that  he  would  have  paid  to 
that  of  a  sister. 

The  Marquis  de  Liancour,  left  Suabia  for  Eng- 
land, unable  to  take  leave  of  Demetrius  ;  and  re- 
solving to  spend  the  remnant  of  existence,  far  from 
the  scene  of  his  misfortunes. 

No  attempts  at  premature  consolation  were  at- 
tempted by  Leopolstat  and  his  Countess,  when  their 
sorrowing  brother  came  again  into  their  circle.  Ac- 
quainted with  the  former  inclinations  of  his  heart, 
as  well  as  with  its  too-tumultuous  sensibility,  they 
deemed  it  best  to  trust  every  thing  to  time  :  they 
foresaw  the  hour,  when  the  deep  gloom  now  rest- 
ing over  his  wishes,  would  gradually  clear  away  be- 
fore reviving  hope,  and  shew  him  the  appointed  land 
of  domestic  bliss. 

In  Constantia  of  Nuremberg,  they  contemplat- 
ed a  future  sister;  and  to  the  faithful  attachment  of 
that  amiable  Princess  committed  the  task  of  conso- 
lation. 


144       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

Marshal  Ingersdorf  being  completely  ignorant 
of  this  cheering  expectation,  (which  consideration 
for  female  delicacy  induced  his  daughter  still  to 
conceal :)  was,  next  to  Demetrius,  the  most  melan- 
choly person  at  Dutlingen.  Strangely  compounded 
of  whimsical  roughness  and  romantic  softness,  he 
was  peculiarly  susceptible  of  that  pity  which  Zaire's 
excessive  passion,  was  calculated  to  excite :  and 
judging  from  his  own  destiny,  (which  had  given  him 
the  object  of  his  first  affection ;)  rather  than  from  his 
own  nature,  he  believed  it  impossible  for  the  young 
man  ever  to  love  again. 

Influenced  into  livelier  compassion  by  this  be- 
lief, he  benevolently  devoted  himself  to  the  endea- 
vour of  alleviating  his  distress.  Demetrius  grate- 
fully registered  every  act  of  the  Marshal's  kindness, 
and  repaid  them,  by  striving  to  overcome  the  weak- 
ness they  were  meant  to  sooth. 

He  was  afflicted,  but  not  inconsolable :  for  a 
bright  angel  invited  him  forward  on  the  track  of 
life.  The  cup  of  happiness,  it  is  true,  no  longer 
offered  him  a  draught  unmingled  with  bitterness  : 
but,  though  remembrance  of  Zaire  might  taint  its 
sweetness,  that  would  not  destroy  it  wholly.  He 
yielded,  therefore,  to  the  pensive  hope  :  and  often 
did  a  fond  sigh  for  Constantia  and  a  sad  tear  for 
Madame  de  Fontainville  spring  from  his  heart  at 
the  same  instant. 

In  no  bosom  did  the  late  event  produce  such  a 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        145 

sudden  revolution  as  in  that  of  Constantia.  Awe- 
struck as  she  was,  and  moved  by  sympathy  with  the 
grief  of  the  man  she  loved,  she  could  not  repress 
that  delightful  hope  which  palpitated  within  her. — 
Demetrius  unhappy,  was  still  dearer  than  Deme- 
trius devoid  of  care :  she  longed  to  pour  balm  on 
his  wounded  spirit ;  and  to  assure  him,  that  exist- 
ence spent  with  him,  (though  saddened,  perhaps, 
by  his  regretting  another,)  would  be  transport  to 
her. 

Certain  of  being  yet  more  to  him  than  all  the 
world,  her  thoughts  hurried  irresistibly  forward  to 
the  future:  there,  instead  of  an  undeviating  life  of  so- 
litary retirement,  and  barren  duties,  prospects  of  so- 
cial pleasure,  active  employments,  and  all  the  sweet 
relations  of  wife,  parent,  and  friend,  presented  them- 
selves in  cheerful  tumult.  It  was  for  a  life  like  this, 
that  Constantia  was  formed ;  and  her  youthful  heart 
now  sprang  with  eager  anticipation  to  meet  its  fa- 
vourite destiny. 

To  break  unseasonably  upon  the  sadness  of  De- 
metrius even  with  the  only  good  he  now  co vetted, 
entered  not  the  mind  of  the  Princess  :  she  was  sa- 
tisfied with  being  at  liberty  to  indulge  a  sentiment 
which  she  had  found  it  so  hard  to  control ;  and  trust- 
ed to  the  arrival  of  Adelaide,  (who  was  about  to 
leave  Dutlingen,)  for  the  confirmation  of  her  lover's 
.5tancy. 

Preparations  for  the   ensuing  campaign,  were 

VOI  .II.  O 


146        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

now  commencing  on  the  Frontiers ;  which  of  course 
was  no  longer  a  place  for  women. 

The  month  of  January  was  over ;  and  Charles 
beginning  to  feel  the  bitterness  of  a  soldier's  fate,  in 
the  prospect  of  a  long  separation  from  Adelaide. 
She  however,  refused  to  ratify  the  promise  made  to 
her  aunt  and  uncle,  of  joining  them  at  Vienna,  per- 
sisting in  a  resolution  of  remaining  at  least  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  the  army. 

The  house  of  Marshal  Ingersdorf,  being  only 
three  miles  from  Munich,  was  fixed  for  her  resi- 
dence, as  she  could  there  receive  accounts  from  the 
Black  Forest  several  times  a  week,  and  enjoy  the 
society  of  her  friend  Constantia. 

Painful,  at  the  best,  is  the  fate  of  the  woman  who 
loves  a  soldier.  Never  did  Adelaide  endure  such 
anguish  as  when  she  parted  from  Charles;  never 
before,  did  she  yield  herself  up  to  so  many  ungo- 
verned  fears ! — nay,  it  seemed  impossible  to  her  that 
she  should  live,  and  know  him  exposed  to  dangers 
of  which  she  did  not  partake.  At  this  moment,  the 
fond  despair  of  a  wife  thought  it  would  be  bliss  to 
perish  by  the  same  ball  that  carried  death  to  her 
husband. 

By  what  standard  then,  shall  we  measure  happi- 
ness, since  it  shapes  itself  so  variously  ? 

Leopolstat  had  made  no  small  sacrifice  in  pro- 
curing leave  for  Demetrius,  instead  of  himself,  to 
escort  Adelaide  and  the  Marshal  on  their  joura 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        147 

He  saw  them  depart,  with  a  heart  that,  for  the  first 
time,  trembled  at  the  uncertainty  of  war  :  his  eyes 
ached  with  gazing  after  them  ;  and  when  he  moved 
from  the  place  where  he  had  bidden  them  farewel, 
he  found  that  in  the  energy  of  domestic  affection, 
even  patriotism  itself,  loses  half  its  force. 

During  their  almost  silent  journey,  Adelaide 
frequently  fixed  her  eyes  upon  the  face  of  Deme- 
trius, hoping  to  read  something  there,  which  might 
direct  her  future  conduct ;  but  her  extreme  anxiety 
to  gratify  his  wishes,  prevented  her  from  discover- 
ing what  those  wishes  were  ;  and  sometimes  she 
thought  he  would  internally  accuse  her  of  unkind- 
ness  if  she  suffered  him  to  depart  without  seeing 
Constantia,  and  sometimes  she  suspected  that  he 
would  rather  avoid  the  interview. 

The  name  of  the  Princess  was  not  mentioned  till 
the  carriage  stopped  at  the  gates  of  Ingersdorf ;  the 
Marshal  then  expressed  a  hope  that  Constantia  might 
be  there  to  receive  them.  At  that  name,  Demetrius 
turned  pale  ;  and  throwing  himself  out  of  the  chaise, 
laid  his  hand  on  a  horse,  which  he  had  previously 
ordered  his  servant  to  lead  forwards  from  the  last 
stage. 

"I  shall  return  immediately  to  Charles,"  he  faint- 
ly articulated.  Adelaide  repeated  his  words,  with 
a  mixture  of  satisfaction  and  regret.  The  Marshal 
loudly  expostulated.  "  Why,  you  disagreeable  pup- 
py !"  he  exclaimed,  "  don't  you  know  'tis  past  mid- 


148       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

night  ?  and  don't  you  see,  that  you  can't  see  ?  the 
night's  as  dark  as  Erebus;  and  yet  nothing  will  serve 
you  but  going  to  have  your  throat  cut  in  the  Black 
Forest." 

"  I  shall  ride  only  one  stage  to-night,"  replied 
Demetrius,  mounting  as  he  spoke;  "indeed,  Sir,  I 
can  have  no  rest  till  I  am  so  far  on  my  way  back  to 
Charles.  I  am  very  unfit  for  society  at  present.  Sure- 
ly my  dear  sister  will  confess  I  ought  not  to  stop  at 
Ingersdorf."  Adelaide  understood  him  :  and  while 
her  heart  glowed  with  approbation,  she  wondered  at 
herself  lor  having  doubted  how  he  would  act.  She 
approached  him.  "  I  do  not  press  your  stay,"  she 
whispered,  "  you  feel  exactly  as  I  would  have  you 
— return  to  my  Charles  ;  and  O  !  whenever  he  is 
nobly  prodigal  of  his  safety,  be  near,  to  remind  him 

Of  W£\" 

Demetrius  promised  her  this ;  while  agitated 
with  a  sudden  burst  of  tears,  she  hurried  into  "the 
house. 

Princess  Constantia,  apprized  of  her  friend's 
coming,  was  indeed  ready  to  receive  her :  they  met 
in  each  other's  arms. 

After  the  first  hurry  of  joy,  Adelaide  looked  at 
Constantia  :  the  sight  of  her,  acted  like  a  charm  on 
her  perturbed  spirits.  Again  she  beheld  spring  in 
that  Aurora-like  countenance  which  had  lost  its 
animating  freshness,  when  she  last  saw  it. 

"  I  hope  you  do  not  think  me  unfeeling,"  said 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        149 

the  Princess  in  answer  to  one  of  her  friend's  con- 
gratulatory remarks,  "  indeed,  indeed,  I  am  not. 
Heaven  knows  how  sincere  were  the  tears  that  fell 
from  my  eyes,  upon  first  hearing  of  Madame  de 
Fontainville's  death.  But  she  was  personally  un- 
known to  me  ;  and  the  last  interview  I  had  had 
with  Demetrius — in  that — O  Adelaide,  how  much 
love  for  me  did  it  not  reveal ! — Will  you  blame  me 
then ;  am  I  pitiless,  in  thus  forgetting  all  things 
but  happiness  and  him  ?'' 

The  young  Countess  affectionately  gazed  on 
the  tearful  apprehensiveness  which  now  clouded 
the  Princess:  "Far  from  it,  my  sweet  Constantia," 
she  said,  ua  hard  struggle  between  pity  for  another, 
and  hopes  for  ourselves,  has  been  allotted  to  us  all : 
Charles  and  I  have  shared  your  emotions  too  often, 
for  us  to  be  harsh  judges." 

She  then  proceeded  to  recapitulate  every  thing 
interesting  to  the  woman  who  loved  Demetrius ; 
and  though  while  she  related  past  events,  silenr 
drops  trickled  down -the  cheeks  of  Constantia,  it  was 
a  sweet  sorrow  which  made  them  flow. 

Affection  delights  to  behold  its  object  in  ever'. 
admirable  point  of  view ;  and  Demetrius  thus  dis 
played  to  her  in  the  midst  of  jarring  wishes  and  op- 
posite duties ;  suffering  agonies  intolerable,  yet 
suffering  them  without  complaint,  became  exalted 
above  humanity. 

As   the  Marshal  had  retired  to   rest,  the 

o  2 


150        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

ment  after  saluting  the  Princess,  the  friends  wer% 
left  free  to  spend  the  night  in  conversation :  but 
Constantia  would  not  gratify  herself  at  the  expense 
of  another's  comfort ;  she  therefore  reminded  Ade- 
laide of  her  fatigue,  and  they  separated. 

Completely  wretched,  meanwhile,  was  the  heart 
of  Demetrius.  Cruel  circumstances  had  so  associ- 
ated the  idea  of  Zaire,  with  that  of  Constantia,  that 
as  he  now  involuntarily  thought  strongly  of  the  one, 
the  other  pressed  upon  him  with  additional  force. — 
Memory  presented  to  him  at  the  same  moment, 
those  epochs  in  his  different  attachments,  which 
constituted  the  misery  of  their  remembrance :  Zaire 
alive,  fond,  beautiful,  adored  ;  Zaire,  half  lost  in 
his  impassionate  embrace  ;  Zaire  in  the  grave  j 
were  images  too  wild  for  softer  recollections  to 
overcome. — The  innocent  endearments  of  Constan- 
tia, at  the  hour  of  his  first  departure  from  Felieri ; 
her  anguish  in  the  death-scene  of  the  Duchess  ;  nay, 
even  her  tender  vows  when  they  were  about  to  part 
for  ever,  gave  way  before  those  remembrances 
which  death  had  sanctified. 

u  Thy  ashes  are  yet  warm,  my  Zaire  !"  he 
groaned  inwardly  j  and  the  blood  froze  in  his 
veins,  as  a  momentary  vision,  warm  with  bliss  and 
Constantia,  fled  from  his  shuddering  mind.  The 
reins  fell  from  his  hand  on  the  neck  of  his  horse  : 
and  smiting  his.  breast,  he  gazed  wildly  round,  aT- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.       151 

most  expecting  to  see  the  afflicted  spirit  of  Zaire, 
embodied  to  reproach  him. 

His  horse  stopped ;  and  the  heart  of  its  rider, 
throbbed  quickly.  A  hollow  wind  muttering  among 
innumerable  branches  overhanging  the  road,  was 
the  only  sound  that  came  to  his  ear  :  every  thing 
else  was  still ;  and  all  things  were  steeped  in  un- 
fathomable darkness. — He  remained  awhile  listen- 
ing to  the  heavy  murmur  of  the  trees,  though  their 
dreary  sound  increased  the  oppression  of  his  soul. 

"  O  time !"  he  exclaimed  at  length,  u  O  heart ! 
(of  which  every  day  discovers  to  me-new  feelings, 
either  to  lament  or  to  dread  ;)  what  am  I  to  become 
at  last  ?  Is  this  the  same  being  which  once  believ- 
ed Zaire  a  part  of  itself,  yet  which  now  survives, 
her  I  Can  it  indeed  be,  that  I  should  love  another, 
while  she  lies  buried  in  the  earth?  I,  that  but  for 
Constantia,  must  have  clung  to  her  grave,  till  life 
had  ended. — Will  the  hour  ever  arrive,  when  I  shall 
think  of  Zaire  without  regret,  or  behold  her  grave 
without  agony  ?  O  never,  never ! — Rather  let  me 
die,  Constantia,  rather  let  me  die  !  than  outlive  the 
bitter  grief  I  owe  to  thy  too  tender  rival." 

Tenacious  of  its  affections,  the  young  and  vir- 
tuous heart,  shudders  at  change:  and  death.,  which 
dissolves  the  union  of  common  souls,  seems  but  to 
cement  more  closely,  that  which  once  rivetted  the 
good. 

In  the  full  strength  of  renewed  grief,  DemC" 


152  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

trius  suddenly  saw  the  apparently-frightful  end,  to 
which  time  would  i  levitably  conduct  him  :  the  ob- 
ject now,  was  slv  eking  to  his  infirm  sensibility ; 
but  every  succeeding  day,  and  hour,  would  gradu- 
ally diminish  the  vividness  of  those  recollections, 
which  rendered  it  so  abhorrent  j  and  new  impres- 
sions made  by  another  passion,  other  hopes,  other 
anxieties,  would  prevent  him  from  recurring  to  the 
past,  by  fixing  all  his  regards  upon  the  future. 

There  are  periods  in  the  lives  of  all  men,  when, 
external  circumstances  and  inward  weakness,  for- 
tuitously meet,  and  take  from  them  the  power  of 
mental  resistance.  With  the  same  motives  to  aban- 
don themselves  to  wretchedness  to-day  as  they  had 
yesterday,  they  will  yet  feel  and  appear  far  more 
wretched.  Demetrius  at  this  moment,  could  not 
reason  himself  into  composure,  or  find  in  the  pos- 
sibility of  future  happiness,  any  thing  but  an  occa- 
sion for  self-abhorrence. 

For  the  first  time  since  Zaire's  death,  his  tears 
poured  in  torrents  ;  and  a  frantic  wish  to  die  (so  to 
escape  from  anguish,  which,  while  it  lasted,  seemed 
as  if  it  would  be  eternal:)  alone  possessed  his 
breast. 

He  would  have  pursued  his  journey  unconsci- 
ouslv  through  the  blackness  of  midnight,  had  not 
his  servant  made  a  more  accurate  calculation  of  the 
discomforts  and  dangers  of  such  a  progress :  hi? 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        153 

voice  gave  timely  notice  of  the  post-house  ;  at 
which  Demetrius  alighted :  where  instantly  retiring 
to  a  chamber,  he  cast  himself  on  the  bed,  hopeless 
<*f  sleep. 


/ 


154        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS* 


CHAP.  VII. 


WHEN  the  Brothers  met  once  more  at  head- 
quarters, their  eyes  exchanged  a  mutual  agreement, 
to  banish  from  their  private  hours  all  discourse  of 
the  past  or  future. 

It  was  not  in  the  tumult  of  warlike  preparation, 
that  either  of  them  could  indulge  the  softness  of 
fond  regret :  they  were  now  to  pour  forth  the  full 
tide  of  their  mingled  spirits  towards  one  object 
alone,  the  salvation  of  their  country  :  and  by  fixing 
their  sight  steadily  on  that  mighty  end,  they  hoped 
to  render  themselves  unconscious  of  minute  yet 
tenderer  interests. 

The  close  of  the  last  brilliant  campaign  had  left 
Austria  in  possession  of  all  Italy ;  except  only  the 
small  city  of  Genoa,  which  besieged  and  famishing, 
was  likely  to  fall  soon  before  her  arms.  This  was 
an  event  considered  almost  certain :  and  then  a  new 
campaign  in  Switzerland,  as  obstinate  but  more  for* 
tunate  than  the  termination  of  the  last,  was  predict- 
ed and  desired. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        155 

To  drive  the  unprincipled  Republicans  from  that 
enslaved  country,  and  force  them  back  from  the 
shore  of  the  Rhine,  was  the  scheme  of  the  approach- 
ing war.  France  on  her  part,  sought  to  deceive 
the  Allies,  by  feints  and  declarations  ;  and  concen- 
trating all  her  strength  at  Dijon,  under  the  plausi- 
ble title  of  an  army  of  reserve,  she  threatened  from 
that  central  point,  as  from  an  eminence,  at  once 
Germany,  Switzerland,  and  Italy. 

It  was  the  misery  of  the  Austrian  cabinet,  to 
regard  with  distrust,  and  to  treat  with  ingrati- 
tude its  ablest  leader :  Prince  Charles  was  now  re- 
moved from  his  command,  and  General  Kray  took 
his  place. 

Hasty  in  all  his  conclusions,  this  intrepid  officer 
was  ill  calculated  to  cope  with  an  antagonist  like 
Moreau  ;  who  equalled  him  in  bravery  and  experi- 
mental knowledge,  and  excelled  him  in  judgment : 
he  was  perpetually  deceived  by  his  adversary's  de- 
monstrations, or  perplexed  by  his  own  conjectures; 
while  Moreau  estimated  the  Hungarian  General's 
talents,  and  acted  upon  the  result. 

A  consummate  General  frequently  gains  as 
much  by  an  accurate  calculation  of  his  enemy's  folly, 
as  he  does  from  the  full  exercise  of  his  own  re- 
sources :  by  foreseeing  his  opponent's  blunders,  and 
preparing  to  turn  them  to  the  best  account,  he  uses 
a  species  of  thrift,  allowable  in  military  affairs,  which 


156       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

provides  for  its  own  advantage,  out  of  another's 
profusion. 

A  general  may  indeed  risk  something  by  an  en- 
terprize  which  depends  for  its  success,  solely  on 
the  oversight  of  his  enemy  ;  but  if  he  have  studied 
the  character  of  his  opponent,  the  odds  are  all  in 
his  favour. 

Moreau  had  not  reckoned  too  confidently,  upon 
the  rash  decision  of  General  Kray  :  completely  de- 
ceived by  a  masterly  feint,  the  latter  hastened  to 
rally  all  his  troops  round  him  at  Donaueschingen ; 
and  expecting  a  grand  attack  on  that  point,  suffered 
Moreau  to  cross  the  Rhine,  unmolested  at  Basle. 

The  whole  force  of  the  French  army,  now  meet- 
ing from  different  quarters  on  the  Lake  of  Con- 
stance, menaced  the  Imperialists  :  Donaueschingen 
was  abandoned;  they  retired  hastily  towards  En- 
gen,  near  which  the  Prince  of  Lorrain  maintained 
a  good  position. 

But  the  Imperialists  fought  under  every  dis- 
advantage. They  were  fewer  in  number  than  the 
French ;  and  were  perplexed  with  a  pre-conceived 
idea  of  the  enemy's  having  different  plans :  they 
were  in  fact,  like  men  who  have  all  their  lesson  to 
learn,  and  could  therefore,  only  oppose  sudden  re- 
soluteness, to  well  digested  movements. 

In  the  continued  battle,  (as  it  may  be  termed  V) 
which  lasted  from  the  third  of  May,  till  the  sixth, 
the  Hungarian  Brothers  nobly  distinguished  tin 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        \57 

selves.  To  the  ardour  inspired  by  their  just  cause 
was  added,  the  laudable  motive  of  honouring  each 
other,  by  obtaining  the  applause  of  their  gallant  as- 
sociates. 

The  regiment  which  Charles  commanded,  had 
the  honour  of  receiving  the  first  shock  of  the  ene- 
my's cavalry :  General  Moreau,  in  person,  led  them 
forward  to  the  charge ;  which,  though  renewed 
again  and  again,  was  repulsed  with  dreadful  slaugh- 
ter. 

In  defiance  of  superior  numbers,  and  the  loss  of 
that  support  which  General  Kray  might  have  de- 
rived from  the  army  of  Prince  John  (now  vanquish- 
ed at  Stockach)  he  maintained  his  ground  during 
an  obstinate  attack,  in  which  the  French  loss  great- 
ly exceeded  that  of  the  Imperialists.  On  the 
morning  of  the  fifth,  he  fell  back  upon  the  Danube ; 
but  ere  he  could  cross  it,  another  bloody  engage- 
ment took  place. 

While  making  a  few  rapid  dispositions  for  de- 
fence, Charles  thought  with  anguish  of  that  object 
dearer  to  him  than  his  life,  for  whose  safety  he  began 
to  tremble  at  the  probable  march  of  the  victors.  It 
seemed  to  hrm  as  if  they  were  already  at  the  gates 
rof  Munich.  He  breathed  a  hasty  prayer  for  his 
country,  while  he  thought  only  of  his  wife ;  and 
st«  ung  to  tenfold  courage,  by  apprehension  for  her, 
charged  hotly  through  the  ranks  of  the  foe. 

At  that   fortunate  moment,  when  the   French 

VOL.    ii.  p 


158        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

troops  stood  aghast  at  such  bold  conduct ;  a  body 
of  Bavarians,  (to  whom  Leopolstat  had  previously 
given  orders  :)  by  a  well-concerted  manoeuvre,  suc- 
ceeded in  turning  the  enemy's  flank  ;  the  cavalry 
then  wheeling  round,  charged  back  through  its  scat- 
tered battalions  ;  and  the  fate  of  the  day  had  quick- 
ly decided  for  the  Imperialists,  had  not  Count  Leo- 
polstat in  the  very  ardour  of  returning  a  third  time 
to  the  charge,  received  a  musquet  ball  in  his  side. 
He  fell  from  his  horse,  and  the  enemy  instantly 
closing  round  him,  stabbed  his  senseless  body  with 
innumerable  bayonets. 

Where  then  was  Demetrius  ? — The  next  mo- 
ment, his  sabre  was  flashing  amongst  them,  like  the 
lightning  of  Heaven. 

Throwing  himself  from  his  horse,  and  calling 
on  his  companions  to  join  him,  he  defended  the  per- 
son of  his  brother  with  a  fierce  violence  which  ren- 
dered him  insensible  of  affliction. 

Nothing  now  was  to  be  seen  but  confusion  and 
carnage :  To  recover  the  body  of  their  leader, 
seemed  the  sole  aim  of  this  tremendous  conflict. 

Part  of  the  squadrons  hastily  dismounted,  and 
part  beating  under  their  horses'  hoofs,  the  soldiers 
cut  down  by  their  sabres,  lost  all  remembrance  of 
general  orders.  The  sound  of  pistols  fired  on  the 
very  hearts  of  men,  was  mixed  with  execrations 
and  dying  groans :  the  sight  of  bayonets  mingling 
on,  the  same  points  the  blood  of  many  breasts  was 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        159 

increased  in  horror  by  the  last  struggles  of  multi- 
tudes, perishing  beneath  the  weight  and  convulsions 
of  their  wounded  horses. 

In  that  earthly  Hell,  Demetrius  almost  mad- 
dened :  he  fought  with  a  ferocity  inspired  by  the 
pitiless  scene  ;  and  when,  successful  at  last,  his 
brave  squadron  remained  masters  of  their  bleed- 
ing prize,  he  started  at  his  own  heart,  which  rather 
spurred  him  on  to  vengeance,  than  yielded  to  grief. 

As  he  raised  Leopolstat's  body  from  the  ground, 
the  trepidation  with  which  he  did  it,  awoke  the 
slumbering  life.  Charles  opened  his  eyes,  fixed 
them  on  the  face  of  his  brother  with  an  expression 
which  acted  on  the  soul  of  Demetrius  like  a  holy 
spirit  passing  visibly  before  him;  again  his  eyes 
closed,  and  Demetrius  bursting  into  a  passion  of 
lamentation,  clasped  him  in  his  arms  without  power 
to  rise. 

"  I  live,  I  live,  my  brother !"  Charles  faintly 
breathed,  "  forward !" — He  fainted  as  he  spoke  ; 
and  Demetrius  eagerly  glancing  round  the  field, 
beheld  the  enemy  retreating  in  disorder  before  the 
German  troops. 

He  was  now  free  to  remain  with  Charles ;  and 
animated  into  the  hope  of  saving  that  brother  for 
whom  he  would  gladly  have  shed  every  drop  of  his 
own  blood,  he  hastily  formed  a  sort  of  litter  out  of 
the  arms  and  pelisses  of  the  soldiers,  and  bore  him 
upon  it  to  the  hospital  tent. 


160        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

Long  ere  they  reached  the  place,  every  hope 
had  vanished.  The  rapidly-changing  Demetrius, 
felt  nothing  but  despair  while  he  gazed  intently  on 
the  motionless  features  of  his'brother.  That  belov- 
ed face  so  still,  so  pale,  so  visibly  imprinted  with 
death,  lying  in  the  midst  of  blood,  gushing  out  of 
countless  wounds  ;  the  dreadful  silence  which  sur- 
rounded the  bier  on  which  he  was  borne  ;  the  dis- 
mayed countenances  of  the  soldiers  ;  all  tended  to 
impress  Demetrius  with  a  conviction,  that  the  gal- 
-pirit  was  dislodged  for  ever. 

At  that  agonizing  moment,  how  light  and  un- 
real,  appeared  the  grief  he  had  indulged  for  Zaire! 
Her  death  he  contemplated  with  mtv  and  anguish  ; 
her  death  he  had  lamented  with  frantic  tenderness  : 
but  that  of  Charles ! — his  heart  withered  within  him 
at  the  fearful  image.  To  live  on,  bereft  of  such  a 
brother,  was  impossible :  to  die,  when  his  life^ 
should  be  pronounced  beyond  recal,  seemed  then 
the  law  of  his  being.  At  this  idea,  he  stood  sud- 
denly composed  in  look  and  manner  :  but  the  spirit 
of  grief,  which  thus  retreated  from  the  surface,  only 
retired  to  gather  strength  for  the  moment  in  which 
it  was  to  swell  and  overwhelm  him. 

While  the  surgeons  were  examining  the  wounds 
of  Leopolstat,  (whom  excess  of  pain  frequently  re- 
vived, and  as  often  rendered  insensible  again,)  De- 
metrius stood  with  his  arms  folded,  and  his  eyes 
ri vetted  upon  his  brother.     One  of  the  surgeons 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        161 

lifted  up  the  clustering  hair;  it  was  steeped  in 
blood,  and  completely  dyed  the  hand  that  touched 
it.  Demetrius  started -at  the  sight;  a  sudden 
shivering  seized  him  :  when  he  had  last  noted  these 
clotted  ringlets,  they  had  been  fondly  sported  with, 
by  the  fingers  of  Adelaide,  when  Charles,  fatigued 
with  military  duty,  was  momentarily  slumbering  on 
her  shoulder.  He  averted  his  eyes ;  and  the  tears 
he  was  unable  to  shed  over  his  own  suffering,  gush- 
ed forth  in  pity  to  another. 

After  three  days,  the  report  of  the  surgeons 
was  not  such  as  to  balance  the  hopes  and  fears  of 
those  around  Count  Leopolstat :  apprehension  pre- 
ponderated. His  wounds  were  many  and  danger- 
ous :  and  his  recovery  was  said  to  depend  on  a 
variety  of  circumstances  in  temperament  and  situa- 
tion, which  it  seemed  demanding  a  miracle  to  ex- 
pect. 

The  loss  of  such  an  officer,  at  a  period  so  criti- 
cal, when  even  the  Capital  of  Austria  was  menaced, 
was  extremely  distressing  to  the  Commander  in 
Chief;  Leopolstat's  counsel  in  camp,  had  so  often 
decided  him  in  difficult  conjunctures;  and  his  con- 
duct in  the  field  so  often  completed  that  counsel, 
that  he  came  to  the  resolution  of  removing  him  to 
a  distance,  with  the  utmost  concern. 

The  army  were  now  crossing  the  Danube  ;  and 

though  it  was  the  brave  Kray's  intention  to  dispute 

)  inch  of  ground  he  might  be  forced  to  abandon* 

P  2 


162       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

he  foresaw  that  Ulm  would  inevitably  be  his  rest- 
ing place. 

To  Ulm,  therefore,  while  it  was  possible  to 
move  slowly,  he  directed  Count  Leopolstat  should 
be  carried  ;  and  in  consideration  of  Demetrius,  ap- 
pointed his  troop  to  form  the  escort. 

At  the  first  intimation  of  this,  Demetrius  felt 
like  a  young  and  enthusiastic  soldier ;  he  was  alarm- 
ed at  the  possibility  of  odium,  by  thus  avoiding  a 
share  in  the  danger  and  disasters  of  his  companions  : 
but  this  phantom  of  fastidious  honour  vanished  be- 
fore fraternal  love. 

u  Shall  I  desert  thee,  brother  of  my  soul,"  he 
softly  exclaimed,  as  he  sat  watching  his  unquiet 
sleep  ;  "  shall  I  leave  thee  to  perish,  for  the  sake  of' 
a  mere  breath  ? — My  country  can  be  as  well  served 
by  any  other  arm  as  mine  :  I  have  nothing  entrust- 
ed to  me,  therefore  have  no  duty  to  betray.  If  I 
save  thee,  I  preserve  her  best  champion  to  Ger- 
many ;  and  what  censure  then,  can,  or  ought  to 
wound  me !" 

Charles  awoke  in  the  midst  of  these  reflections : 
and  as  if  he  read  in  his  brother's  looks  all  that  was^ 
passing  in  his  bosom,  tenderly  squeezed  his  hand : 
Demetrius  vehemently  kissed  both  the  hands  of 
Charles  in  return. 

To  his  various  and  eager  questions,  the  latter 

could  only  reply  by  signs :  for  loss  of  blood,  and 

equent   bodily  pangs,   had    exhausted    sll    htt 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.       163 

strength.  A  sudden  brightness  shone  on  his  fea- 
tures, when  Demetrius,  presenting  a  letter,  told  him 
a  courier  had  just  brought  it  from  Adelaide: — 
Charles  averted  his  face  as  he  received  it,  and  mo- 
tioned to  be  left  alone  :  his  brother  obeyed. 

On  the  return  of  Demetrius,  it  was  resolved  to 
apprize  the  young  Countess,  in  part,  of  her  hus- 
band's situation  :  for  Leopolstat  rather  chose  to 
bear  the  knowledge  of  her  suffering  now,  than  by 
keeping  her  in  ignorance,  doom  her  to  more  fright- 
ful agonies  hereafter.  His  heart  bled  as  he  antici- 
pated the  sight  of  her,  who  lived  but  in  him,  and 
who  could  not  behold  him  thus,  without  presaging 
the  worst  :  yet,  to  prepare  her  by  a  gradual  view 
of  his  decline,  and  to  leave  her  the  consolation  of 
having  soothed  his  last  moments,  were  motives 
which  far  out-weighed  his  own  cowardice  at  the 
prospect  of  witnessing  her  grief. 

Having  heard  and  approved  the  letter,  which 
his  agitated  brother's  tears  blotted  as  he  wrote,  he 
ordered  it  to  be  immediately  dispatched  ;  and  then 
prepared  for  his  removal. 

Every  accommodation  that  respect  and  affection 
could  devise,  in  the  midst  of  a  retreating  army,  was 
procured  for  Count  Leopolstat :  the  soldiers  saluted 
the  litter  as  it  passed,  with  tears  on  their  rough 
cheeks  :  and  the  General,  looking  after  it  a  long 
rime,  turned  away  with  a  heavy  sigh,  repeating  in 


164       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

a  mixed  tone  of  regret  and  admiration,   "  My  gal- 
lant countryman !" 

Though  proceeding  with  slowness,  and  watched 
by  a  skilful  surgeon,  Leopolstat  seemed  to  have 
reached  Ulm,  only  to  die  ;  his  impatient  wife  join- 
ed him  on  the  road,  and  now,  for  the  first  time  in 
her  life,  found  herself  assailed  by  a  calamity,  against 
which  she  had  no  longer  any  reasoning  powers  to 
oppose. 

While  she  supported  him  in  her  arms,  to  ease 
the  pain  of  long  continuance  in  one  attitude  ;  or 
watched  his  slumbers  ;•  or  administered  the  opiates 
that  were  to  bestow  them,  anxiety  for  him,  drove 
away  every  thought  of  herself:  but  the  instant  she 
left  him,  (which  was  only  when  his  wounds  were 
dressing)  despair  seized  her ;  and  as  she  fancied 
his  bodily  pangs,  her  suffering  threatened  to  end  in 
phrensy. 

•  Of  her  father  or  Demetrius,  she  could  think  no 
more ;  even  though  they  were  both  before  her, 
heart-struck  for  her  and  for  themselves.  She  nei- 
ther heard  their  lamentations  nor  their  intreaties  j 
but  absorbed  in  the  future,  abandoned  her  whole 
soul  to  one  darling  object. 

At  this  period,  the  attentive  sympathy  of  Colonel 
Wurtzburgh,  (who  was  among  the  troops  in  the 
garrison)  excited  the  gratitude  of  Demetrius.  He 
frequently  watched  whole  nights  in  the  house  when 
Leopolstat    was    thought   in   immediate   danger  ; 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        165 

avowing  himself  too  warmly  interested,  for  rest  or 
peace  of  mind. 

By  those  silent  attentions,  which,  exerted  for  the 
benefit  of  others,  without  noise  or  ostentation,  affect 
the  heart  so  much,  he  contrived  to  impress  every 
individual  with  a  sense  of  obligation.  What  their 
excess  of  grief  would  have  overlooked,  his  less 
afflicted  spirit  might  be  permitted  to  remember : 
and  all  that  he  did  for  Charles,  or  Adelaide,  or  her 
father,  was  found  so  necessary  to  their  comfort,  that 
Demetrius  chid  himself  for  not  anticipating  the  very 
services  for  which  he  was  thankful. 

The  consolations  of  a  female  friend  were  denied 
to  the  unhappy  Countess  ;  Princess  Constantia  be- 
ing removed  to  Vienna  ;  whither  her  uncle  had 
hastened  on  the  first  news  of  the  French  successes. 

Of  Constantia,  Demetrius  did  not  allow  himself 
to  think  :  although  her  image  like  an  angelic  vision, 
often  floated  through  his  fancy,  calming  for  awhile 
the  tempest  of  wildly-raised  apprehension.  He 
knew  her  to  be  in  safety  ;  and  therefore  to  indulge 
in  soft  dreams  about  her,  while  death  and  danger 
menaced  objects  equally  dear,  would  have  been  al- 
most sacrilege. 

The  Imperialists  retreating  before  a  vast  army 
flushed  with  success,  and  eager  for  plunder,  were 
rapidly  falling  back  upon  Ulm.  Defeat  had  follow- 
ed defeat:  though  the  loss  of  the  enemy  was  uni- 
formly greater  than  that  of  the  Austrians. 


166  THE  HUNGARIAN -BROTHERS. 

But  the  German  lines  once  thinned,  were  slow- 
ly repaired  :  while  all,  whom  rapine  or  fanatic 
liberty  inspired,  crowded  to  fill  up  those  of  the 
French. 

Italy  was  nearly  reconquered  ;  Switzerland  their 
own  ;  the  Grisons  within  their  grasp :  from  the  Me- 
diterranean sea,  to  the  river  of  the  Rhine,  one  enor- 
mous army  covered  the  several  countries  which  lie 
between  them. 

Destruction  seemed  to  wait  only  the  nod  of  a 
lawless  Republican,  to  overwhelm  the  very  seat  of 
Empire. 

These  fatal  circumstances  retarded  the  possible 
recovery  of  Charles,  who  felt  as  if  at  each  fresh 
disaster, 

"  String  after  string,  was  severed  from  his  heart." 

By  a  courier  who  brought  advices  of  a  battle  at 
Memmingen,  Leopolstat  received  a  note  from  the 
Commander  in  Chief,  desiring  him  to  remove  in- 
stantly to  the  capital,  as  both  armies  were  now  on 
their  march  towards  Ulm,  where  it  was  likely  an 
obstinate  engagement  would  soon  take  place.  ^ 

The  brave  Charles  disdained  thus  to  fly  before 
an  advancing  foe,  even  though  weakened  by  pain 
and  sickness  :  and,  indeed,  he  was  not  in  a  condi- 
tion to  bear  either  a  sudden  or  a  quick  removal. 
He  besought  his  wife  to  seek  Vienna  immediately, 
While  he  awaited  the  arrival  of  the  troops,  or  pro- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        167 

ceeded  with  less  precipitation :  but  Adelaide  refus- 
ed to  leave  him. 

The  Imperial  army  entered  Ulm  soon  after  ;  and 
from  their  intrenched  camp  before  the  city,  kept 
the  French  awhile  in  check. 

Neither  of  the  adverse  Generals  thought  the 
period  advantageous  for  attack  ;  and  during  this  ac- 
cidental suspension  of  arms,  Leopolstat's  wounds 
assumed  a  less  alarming  aspect.  He  was  now  able 
to  undertake  the  fatigues  of  another  journey.  Ac- 
companied by  his  wife  and  her  father  he  set  out 
for  Vienna,  leaving  Demetrius  behind  n*  '•'.in  gar- 
rison. 

Bereft  at  once  of  so  many  dear  objects,  and  still 
trembling  for  the  ultimate  safety  of  his  brother,  the 
heart  of  Demetrius  habitually  turned  towards  Co- 
lonel Wurtzburgh. 

The  kindness  with  which  that  officer  met  his 
renewed  friendship,  and  the  zealous  alacrity  with 
which  he  used  to  seek  out  minor  comforts  for  Count 
Leopolstat,  conveyed  a  severe  reproach  to  Deme- 
trius. He  blushed  to  recollect  his  former  coldness, 
though  Wurtzburgh  seemed  to  have  forgotten  it : 
and  he  strove  to  repair  his  fault  by  testimonies  of 
gratitude. 

The  Colonel's  delicate  conduct,  increased  this 
glow  of  gratitude  into  the  fullest  esteem.  He  evi- 
dently avoided  opportunities  of  extorting  the  secret 
thoughts  of  his  friend  ;  always  turned  the  conversa^ 


168        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

tion  when  it  pointed  to  peculiar  subjects;  and  never 
staid  with  Demetrius  at  those  times,  in  which  the 
swelling  breast  of  the  latter,  overflowed  either  with 
tenderness  or  passion. 

As  material  objects  appear  less  at  a  distance, 
than  such  as  are  near,  so  the  past  conduct  of  men, 
loses  its  enormity,  when  opposed  to  a  present  ap- 
pearance of  excellence. — Beguiled  by  his  own  gene- 
rous nature,  our  young  Hussar  sometimes  searched 
his  memory  in  vain,  for  rational  grounds  for  his 
former  ill-will  to  Wurtzburgh  :  but  nothing  amount- 
ing to  c  eviction,  was  registered  there.  He  there- 
fee  gave  a  loose  to  cordiality;  and  imperceptibly 
wearing  away  the  self-imposed  distance  of  the  Co- 
lonel, soon  shewed,  (without  intending  absolutely 
to  confide  in  him ;)  all  that  the  Colonel  wanted  to 
know  of  his  situation. 

It  was  long  ere  Wurtzburgh  could  disengage 
himself  from  the  perplexity  in  which  young  Leo- 
polstat's  character  was  formed  to  bewilder  him.  He 
could  not  comprehend  how  it  was  possible  for  De- 
metrius to  burst  into  a  sudden  passion  of  grief  when 
any  circumstance  recalled  Madame  de  Fontainville; 
yet  every  day,  every  hour,  be  cherishing  the  idea  of 
Princess  Constantia,  or  be  unconsciously  recurring 
to  her,  in  all  his  discourses. 

When  an  exclusive  preference  was  over,  the 
Colonel,  (sensible  to  none  but  the.  coarsest  attach- 
ments ;)  believed  that  every  sentiment  of  tender- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         169 

ness,  must  perish  with  it:  he  knew  nothing  of  those 
nice  shades  of  affection,  pity,  and  admiration  which 
complete  the  fine  colouring  of  a  truly  tender  heart. 
— Observation  however  forced  him  to  admit  the 
existence  of  such  a  phenomenon,  though  it  did  not 
help  him  in  the  least  towards  comprehending  it. 

Carefully  noting  each  of  these  apparent  incon- 
sistencies, he  kept  a  regular  journal  of  what  he  thus 
discovered  ;  while  Demetrius  often  wrote  in  his 
praise  to  Forshiem,  who  was  now  with  the  army  of 
Bohemia. 

A  small  division  of  troops  being  required  by  an 
Austrian  General  some  leagues  from  the  camp, 
Wurtzburgh's  regiment  was  ordered  on  the  service. 
He  left  Demetrius  with  many  demonstrations  of  re- 
gret; at  the  same  time  transferring  to  him  a  French 
servant,  whom  Demetrius  had  occasionally  emplov- 
ed  about  his  brother's  sick-bed,  in  consequence  of 
the  fellow's  cleverness,  and  the  Colonel's  earnest 
recommendation. 

A  succession  of  disastrous  actions  between  the 
two  armies  followed  this  period.  The  Imperialists, 
routed  in  every  engagement,  vainly  lavished  their 
blood  on  the  plains  of  Blenheim,  and  at  the  bridge 
of  Grenshiem.  Fate  frowned  from  the  broad  ban- 
ner of  France  :  and  the  Genius  of  Austria  seemed 
to  have  withdrawn  in  wrath  from  an  army,  which, 
under  the  command  of  its  virtuous  Prince,  she  had 
once  led  on  to  victory. 

vol.  it.  o^. 


170        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS* 

The  broken  troops  having  hastily  abandoned 
their  camp  at  Ulm,  had  proceeded  to  Ingolstadt : 
from  whence  they  beheld  with  dismay,  the  Repub- 
licans spreading  like  consuming  fire,  over  all  Suabia, 
Bavaria,  Wurtemberg  and  Treves. 

The  country  of  the  Grisons  was  lost,  the  troops 
in  Tyrol  were  hemmed  in  by  detachments  from  the 
French  army  of  Italy,  as  well  as  by  part  of  that 
which  laid  waste  the  Frontiers  ;  a  powerful  force 
was  already  on  its  march  to  Franconia ;  and  Mo- 
reau,  animated  with  these  signal  advantages,  no 
longer  feigned  an  intention  of  advancing  to  Vienna. 

Whether  any  unknown  causes,  sufficient  to  jus- 
tify his  advice  as  a  military  man,  prevailed  with 
Buonaparte,  (then  First  Consul,  and  General  in 
Italy) ;  to  press  Moreaifs  relinquishment  of  this 
brilliant  prize  ;  or  whether  a  base  envy  prompted 
him  to  wither  those  laurels  which  the  hand  of  ano- 
ther grasped,  to  decorate  their  country — is  uncer- 
tain. The  motives  will  ever  remain  concealed;  but 
the  fact  is  positive. 

At  the  head  of  victorious  troops,  supported  on 
all  sides  by  successful  confederates,  with  only  a  few 
dispirited  forces  to  hang  on  his  rear,  invited  by  dis- 
loyalty and  riot  to  Vienna  itself,  General  Moreau 
was  enjoined  by  Buonaparte  to  grant  an  armistice, 
now  sued  for  by  Austria. 

How  is  this  to  be  accounted  for? 

The  First  Consul  was  never,  suspected  of  sacri- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        171 

facing  ambition  to  humanity;  no  voice  of  human 
suffering,  had  ever  yet,  stopped  him  in  the  career  of 
military  reward :  (witness  the  dreadful  bridge  of 
Lodi!  witness  the  plains  of  Jaffa !  witness  the  scene 
in  which  his  own  sick  soldiers  perished  by  poison  !) 
he  was  not  of  that  cautious  spirit '-which  avoids  the 
very  possibility  of  disappointment:  No!  he  breast- 
ed difficulties  with  ardour ;  and  rather  sought  to 
wrest  distinction,  by  conquering  against  probabili- 
ties, than  to  receive  tempered  commendation,  by  an- 
swering the  expectations  of  his  countrymen. 

The  whole  campaign  of  Italy,  had  been  to  him, 
a  brilliant  series  of  astonishing  success  :  but  u  his 
star  must  have  turned  pale,"  had  that  of  Moreau 
continued  to  shine.  It  was  no  part  of  the  Corsi- 
can's  policy,  to  sacrifice  his  own  aggrandizement, 
to  that  of  the  country  he  served :  Moreau  must  be 
obscured  :  and  Moreau,  was. — The  armistice  was 
agreed  upon,  in  the  month  of  July;  when  all  ope- 
rations in  Germany  ceased  till  the  beginning  of  Sep- 
tember. 


172       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 


Chap  viil 


IMPATIENT  to  see  that  beloved  brother, 
whose  perfect  safety,  affection  could  not  credit,  un- 
less absolutely  witnessed,  Demetrius  obtained  a 
month's  leave  of  absence,  and  hastened  to  Vienna. 

Count  Leopolstat  was  at  the  house  of  his  faith- 
ful friend,  Baron  Ingersdorf,  who  was  now  a  wi- 
dower. 

Disgusted  with  the  court  intrigues  which  had 
already  displaced  Prince  Charles,  and  was  striving 
to  exclude  from  the  military  councils,  all  sincere 
lovers  of  their  country,  the  Baron  had  resigned  his 
office,  and  retired  from  public  life,  to  a  villa  in  the 
beautiful  suburbs  of  the  capital. 

There,  in  the  society  of  his  brother,  and  that  of 
his  accomplished  nephew,  he  enjoyed  every  plea- 
sure dear  to  a  rational  and  elegant  mind. 

Leopolstat  was  not  yet  able  to  support  himself, 
except  on  a  couch;  where,  raised  on  cushions,  he 
lay  calm  and  uncomplaining. 

Though  he  could  no  longer  amuse  or  employ 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        173 

himself,  but  was  dependent  on  those  he  loved  for 
every  comfort  and  relief,  he  repaid  their  assidui- 
ties, by  the  everlasting  sunshine  of  patient  sweet- 
ness. 

The  music  of  his  Adelaide's  voice,  still  thrilled 
him  with  delight ;  and  while  her  balmy  breath 
rested  upon  the  cheek  she  fondly  printed  with  a 
kiss,  he  ceased  to  languish  for  the  unconfined  air  of 
heaven,  which  so  often  appears  to  an  invalid,  as  if 
it  must  "bring  healing  on  its  wings." 

More  than  ever  endeared  by  his  sufferings,  and 
yet  further  exalted  by  the  manner  in  which  they 
were  borne,  Charles  distinctly  saw,  that  his  wife's 
affection  increased  with  time.  That  doting  love, 
which  glories  in  its  object,  spoke  for  ever  from  her 
eyes  ;  and  a  sense  of  danger  past,  gave  birth  to  a 
gratitude  too  genuine  for  any  fears  to  alloy. 

Adelaide  had  been  so  miserable,  that  she  was 
now  nearly  happy  ;  her  Charles  was  recovering,  her 
Charles  was  eternally  in  her  sight,  and  she  had  every 
day  fresh  reason  to  bless  the  event,  which  kept  him 
far  from  the  armies. 

In  the  joyfulness  of  her  looks,  and  those  of  her 
uncle  and  father,  Demetrius,  on  reaching  Vienna, 
read  all  he  wished.  Though  he  found  his  brother 
stretched  powerless  on  a  sopha,  what  seemed  the 
body's  weakness  to  him,  when  he  beheld  again,  as 
it  were,  the  soul  of  his  brother  ?  Thought  and  emo- 
tion once   more  glowed    through   the   features   of 

Qj2 


174        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

Charles,  and  at  their  late  parting,  the  very  principle 
of  life  itself,  appeared  extinct. 

These  brave  brothers  who  had  undauntedly- 
fronted  the  shock  of  armies  together,  were  now  not 
ashamed  of  yielding  some  tears  to  the  feelings  of 
this  moment.  They  rested  silently  in  each  other's 
arms,  till  their  disburthened  hearts  grew  calm. 

A  narrative  of  the  military  incidents  which  had 
occurred  since  they  met,  was  soon  demanded  by 
Leopolstat.  Demetrius  gave  it  eloquently :  too 
eloquently ;  for  at  his  vivid  descriptions,  and  bitter 
censures,  the  hectic  on  his  brother's  cheek,  quivered 
like  an  unsteady  flame. 

Their  discourse  was  interrupted  by  the  entrance 
of  the  Baron  and  Adelaide,  of  whom,  after  some 
hesitation,  Demetrius  enquired  about  Constantia. 
His  eyes  being  cast  down,  prevented  him  from  ob- 
serving the  change  this  question  made  in  his  sister : 
she  replied  in  a  low  voice,  "  Constantia  is  in  Vien- 
na j  but  as  I  have  much  to  tell  you,  and  dare  not 
agitate  Charles  with  it,  you  must  inquire  no  further, 
till  we  are  alone." 

For  the  first  time  of  her  life,  the  tender  Ade- 
laide, through  an  excess  of  love,  spared  him  who 
would  have  suffered  the  least.  These  hasty  words 
plunged  Demetrius  into  the  most  frightful  conjec- 
turings :  from  the  moment  they  were  uttered,  he 
became  silent  j  and,  watching  an  opportunity  to 
have  his  fears  terminated,  abruptly  followed   Ade- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        175 

laide  out  of  the  room,  when  she  left  it  to  procure 
some  fruit  for  her  husband. 

On  seeing  Demetrius,  she  made  her  father  take 
charge  of  the  fruit ;  and  led  the  way  into  the  gar- 
den. There,  traversing  a  walk  where  the  most 
beautiful  shrubs  bloomed  and  breathed  unnoticed, 
they  discoursed  of  Constantia. — How  was  Deme- 
trius appalled  to  find,  that  his  Princess  lived  in  a 
species  of  imprisonment!  Adelaide  knew  little  of 
her  situation :  yet  that  little,  was  enough  to  rend 
the  heart  of  a  lover. 

The  substance  of  what  he  collected  was,  that 
soon  after  the  arrival  of  Marshal  Ingersdorf  and 
his  daughter,  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg  had  nearly 
prohibited  all  intercourse  between  the  friends  :  but 
finding  his  prohibition  scarcely  attended  to,  he  hur- 
ried his  family  to  Vienna;  accompanied  b^  the 
eldest  son  of  the  Elector  of . 

This  Prince  had  for  some  time  sought  the  hand 
of  Constantia ;  and  it  was  now  evident  that  ambi- 
tious view  for  his  niece,  had  combined  with  ill-will 
towards  Demetrius,  in  the  mind  of  this  haughty 
uncle. 

During  the  period  which  elapsed  since  her  own 
arrival  in  the  capital,  Adelaide  had  heard  but  once 
of  her  friend ;  and  that  was  from  the  lips  of  Nu- 
remberg's wife. 

They  met  accidentally  at  the  Countess  of  Reus- 
marck's.      While  some   other  ladies  were   going 


176       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

through  the  clamorous  ceremonies  of  precedence 
and  leave-taking,  the  Princess  hastily  approached 
Adelaide  :  "  I  shall  gladden  poor  Constantia,"  she 
said  timidly,  u  by  relating  all  I  have  hc^ard  you  re- 
peat of  Count  Leopolstat's  amended  health.  Do 
me  the  justice  of  believing,  dear  Countess,  that  I 
am  completely  innocent  of  this  oppression.  The 
Prince  is  warm  in  his  wishes  for  what  he  thinks 
her  future  good ;  and  suffers  himself  to  use  some 
harshness  now,  in  the  hope  of  meriting  her  thanks 
hereafter :  but  indeed  I  fear  he  will  carry  this  se- 
verity too  far :  her  health  sinks  under  it." 

The  voice  of  the  Princess  faltered  as  she  spoke, 
and  she  stopped  ;  evidently  afflicted  at  having  thus 
rescued  her  own  character  at  the  expense  of  her 
husband's.  Adelaide  just  had  time  to  implore  her 
interference  with  the  Prince,  and  to  commission 
her  with  an  ardent  message  to  Constantia,  when 
some  persons  who  were  of  the  Princess's  party 
joined  them :  they  then  separated. 

Though  she  refrained  from  paining  her  Lord, 
with  this  information,  Adelaide  could  not  sleep, 
till  she  had  made  an  effort  to  see  her  friend.  For 
this  purpose  (as  she  would  not  subject  the  wife  of 
Count  Leopolstat  to  insult,  by  attempting  a  clandes- 
tine interview  ;)  she  wrote  to  the  Prince  of  Nurem- 
berg, simply  stating  her  uneasiness,  at  a  report  of 
Constantia's  being  ill ;  and  requesting  to  be  admit- 
ted  to  her,  either  alone,  or  in  his  presence. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        177 

The  answer  she  received  was  couched  in  these 
terms  : 

Note. 

uThe  Prince  of  Nuremberg  regrets  that  circum- 
stances should  constrain  him  to  refuse  any  request 
of  the  Countess  Leopolstat's  :  he  is  happy  to  contra- 
dict every  report  of  his  niece  the  Princess  Constan- 
tia's  ill-health  ;  but  must  decline  for  her  the  honour 
of  a  visit,  which,  by  reviving  the  remembrance  of  a 
person  whom  it  is  her  duty  to  forget,  would  inevit- 
ably strengthen  her  in  the  resolution  of  avoiding  a 
Prince  whom  it  is  her  duty  to  accept. 

"  The  Prince  of  Nuremberg  does  himself  the 
honour  of  offering  congratulations  upon  the  recent 
safety  of  Count  Leopolstat ;  and  at  the  same  time, 
of  assuring  the  Countess  that  he  would  never  deny 
any  request  of  her's,  without  the  extremest  reluct- 
ance." 

Vienna. — July* 

With  this  cold  and  cautious  billet  ended  all  the 
information  of  Adelaide.  Since  then,  she  had  heard 
no  more  of  Constantia,  except  that  she  was  still  com- 
pletely secluded. 

Demetrius  made  few  remarks  on  this :  he  silently 
pressed  his  sister's  hand ;  leaving  his  thanks  to  his 
looks.  They  then  rejoined  Charles,  with  whom  De- 
metrius staid  till  the  hour  of  rest ;  when  hastily  ex- 


178        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

cusing  himself  from  the  family  supper,  he  left  the 
house. 

Various  modes  of  seeking  an  interview  with  Con- 
stantia,  conceived  and  rejected  in  the  same  moment, 
agitated  the  thoughts  of  Demetrius,  as  instead  of  go- 
ing to  his  lodgings,  he  hurried  along  the  suburbs. 
Had  he  been  pressing  on  to  the  immediate  execu- 
tion of  some  plan  for  seeing  her,  he  could  not  have 
felt  more  impatient :  while  indeed,  nothing  but  a 
chaos  of  schemes,  wishes,  and  apprehensions  was 
before  him. 

Ere  he  dared  attempt  anything  for  her  enlarge- 
ment, it  was  incumbent  on  him  to  learn  how  far  he 
was  concerned  in  her  refusal  of  her  titled  lover :  till 
he  had  sought  a  renewal  of  those  vows  she  once 
breathed,  and  gained  a  knowledge  of  her  future  in- 
tentions, all  his  zeal  and  passion,  must  be  buried  in 
his  own  bosom.  He  now  execrated  himself  for  ha- 
ving shunned  an  interview  at  Munich  ,  and  trem- 
bled at  the  probability  of  having  lost  her  heart  by 
such  apparent  inconsistency. 

In  the  midst  of  these  reflections,  he  came  in  sight 
of  the  place  which  contained  her. 

The  spacious  palace  glittering  in  a  bright  moon- 
light, with  its  magnificent  gardens,  and  stately  ter- 
races, towered  above  the  Danube,  whose  swift  wa- 
ters flashing  under  the  eye,  poured  through  a  scene 
of  brilliant  enchantment.  Numberless  villas  embow- 
ered among  trees,  were  seen  scattered  in  gay  confu- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        179 

sion  along  its  banks ;  and  through  every  grove  and 
every  glade,  the  warm  breath  of  aromatic  summer, 
softly  steamed  from  earth  to  heaven. 

Demetrius  now  approached  one  of  the  side-en- 
trances ;  at  that  moment  a  man  vaulted  over  a  low  part 
of  the  garden-wall,  and  alighted  close  beside  him. 

He  was  somewhat  surprised  to  find  in  this  man, 
his  servant  Pierre. 

After  a  few  equivocations,  the  fellow  confessed 
he  had  been  visiting  the  gardener's  daughter,  to 
whom,  on  account  of  an  old  quarrel  with  her  bro- 
ther, he  could  not  venture  to  go  publicly  :  that  be- 
sides love  for  her,  he  was  prompted  by  regard  for 
his  master,  of  whose  attachment  to  Princess  Con- 
stantia,  he  had  heard  in  the  kitchen  at  Baron  Ingers- 
dorf's,  from  one,  who  had  it  from  an  Italian  servant 
of  the  Princess's : — that  officious,  perhaps,  in  his  zeal, 
he  had  ventured  to  ask  many  questions  of  his  sweet- 
heart, through  whom,  he  hinted  the  probability  of 
conveying  a  letter  or  a  message. 

At  this  moment  Demetrius  was  incapable  of  paus- 
ing upon  any  proposal  which  held  out  such  a  pros- 
pect. The  fellow  could  have  no  motive  for  ensnar- 
ing him  ;  he  had  served  him  faithfully  some  time  ; 
and  had  testified  so  affectionate  an  anxiety  during 
the  sickness  of  Charles,  that  he  readily  pardoned  a 
little  freedom  in  his  endeavours  to  serve.  He  now 
put  a  few  questions  to  Pierre,  whose  answers  deter- 
mined him  to  hazard  something. 


180        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

The  Prince  of  Nuremberg  was  gone  two  leagues 
off  on  business,  which  might  detain  him  some  days: 
no  one  but  his  Princess  was  left  to  guard  Constan- 
tia,  who,  though  still  restricted  to  the  Palace  gar- 
dens, was  indulged  by  her,  in  all  the  liberty  she 
dared  grant.  Constantia  was  then  alone,  in  these 
very  gardens ;  Pierre  had  seen  her  himself. 

He  now  offered  to  return  and  conduct  his  mas- 
ter to  her :  since  Demetrius  was  unwilling  to  put 
the  woman  he  loved  into  the  power  of  her  domestic, 
he  refused  to  admit  Pierre's  sweetheart  into  their 
council. 

A  few  lines  written  with  pencil  on  the  leaf  of  a 
pocket-book,  were  given  to  Pierre  :  each  leapt  the 
garden  wall  at  the  same  moment ;  and  hastily  struck 
into  a  walk  shaded  by  elms,  so  thick  that  they  ex- 
cluded every  twinkling  star.  They  followed  this 
track  till  it  brought  them  to  a  grotto ;  which  sud- 
denly emerging  amid  the  light,  displayed  a  broad 
glade,  where  the  trees  receding  in  magnificent 
groupes,  left  a  vast  expanse,  which  terminated  at  a 
side  portico  of  the  Palace. 

Demetrius  rushed  into  the  grotto;  and  Pierre 
turned  into  another  path. 

The  tender  moon,  shedding  a  mellow  lustre 
through  an  opening  in  the  roof  of  this  calm  retreat, 
quivered  among  the  spars  and  crystals  of  which  it 
was  formed  ;  but  no  sound,  no  breath  even  of  the 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        181 

faintest  night-breeze,  stirred  the  long  tresses  of  a 
willow  which  streamed  above. 

There  was  something  in  the  stillness  and  beauty, 
oppressive  to  the  agitated  heart  of  Demetrius  :  he 
advanced  to  the  entrance ;  all  there,  was  as  still  and 
lovely.  The  moveless  trees,  the  soundless  water, 
the  dark  vistas  and  steady  lustre  of  the  moon,  all 
seemed  to  his  wild  fancy,  fraught  with  expectation: 
he  scarcely  breathed :  but  fear  had  no  share  in  this 
emotion. 

Too  much  absorbed  in  solicitude  for  Constan- 
tia's  reception  of  him,  he  had  not  room  for  any  sus- 
picion of  Pierre's  fidelity. 

Lovers  hope  all  things,  and  dread  all  things  : 
wilder  than  the  starts  of  a  lunatic,  were  the  appre- 
hensions which  now  tormented  Demetrius :  the  re- 
membrance of  _Zaire  mixed  itself  with  them  :  but 
for  the  first  time  since  her  death,  he  strove  to  ban- 
ish it. 

Hasty  steps  as  of  a  man  advancing  along  the 
walk  into  which  Pierre  had  struck,  were  now  dis- 
tinctly heard*  Root-bound  with  expectation,  De- 
metrius listened  to  catch  the  echo  of  a  softer  tread : 
but  whether  it  were  lost  in  the  other  sound  he  knew 
not,  for  he  heard  nothing  more.  His  heart  be- 
gan to  sink,  when  Constantia  herself  flew  into  the 
grotto. 

O.ie  glance  of  her  endearing  eyes,  banished  both 
j'ear  and   regret:    every  event  that  had  occurred 

trot.  II,  b. 


182        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

since  he  used  to  see  her  at  Felieri,  fled  from  their 
eloquent  brightness.  Time,  suffering,  were  anni- 
hilated ;  and  the  full  conviction  of  being  beloved, 
of  still  tenderly  loving,  spoke  to  his  renovated  soul. 

Constantia  did  not  check  the  transport  with 
which  he  pressed  her  in  his  arms :  she  participated 
too  much  in  that  joy,  which  was  produced  by  an 
affection  as  pure  as  her  own  innocence.  For  a  long 
time  neither  of  them  spoke  ;  but  at  length  Deme- 
trius recovering  recollection  of  the  past,  said  fear- 
fully, "  Dare  I  still  call  you  my  Constantia?" 

The  Princess  did  not  hesitate  to  confess  the 
steadiness  of  her  attachment,  though  a  crimson  blush 
glowed  on  her  averted  face.  At  such  a  period  as 
this,  she  would  have  deemed  useless  reserve,  both 
foolish  and  cruel. 

"  I  know  not,1'  she  replied,  "  whether  in  my 
desire  to  save  you  even  the  smallest  uneasiness,  I 
may  not  be  sacrificing  the  propriety  of  my  sex ;  but 
my  heart  impels  me  to  assure  you — almost  unasked 
-—that  you  see  Constantia  at  this  moment,  what'she 
was  at  Felieri ;  that,  however  fate  or  inclination 
might  have  disposed  of  you,  she  would  never  have 
altered ;  and  that  it  remains  with  yourself,  to  sanc- 
tion— to  appropriate. " 

She  could  not  proceed  ;  burning  blushes  spread 
over  her  whole  countenance,  and  the  quick  pulsa- 
tion of  her  heart,  impeded  her  further  utterance. 
Snatched  repeatedly  to  the  breast  of  her  impassion- 


3?HE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.  183 

ed  lover,  whose  ardent  gratitude  scarcely  found 
words  to 'express  itself,  Constantia  heard  with  as- 
tonishment and  trepidation,  his  proposal  for  imme- 
diate flight. 

At  this  moment  of  delirious  ecstacy,  Demetrius 
thought  only  of  securing  the  beloved  creature,  who 
had  endured  for  him,  every  species  of  outrage  ;  of 
bearing  her  far  from  such  oppression,  and  dedicat- 
ing the  whole  of  his  coming  life,  to  the  sweet  task 
of  eternal  gratitude.  When  she  shewed  him  the 
madness  of  his  scheme,  (by  reverting  to  the  power 
which  her  uncle  would  have  of  reclaiming  her,  and 
rousing  the  law  against  him)  Demetrius  urged  ano»- 
ther  plan.  He  offered  to  conduct  her  to  some  remote 
convent,  from  which  she  might  claim  the  protection 
of  her  other  relations,  and  obtain  legal  redress,  until 
the  period  in  which  her  uncle's  guardianship  must 
end. 

Constantia' s  eyes  glistened  with  tears  at  his  ge- 
nerous  ardour :  She  gazed  on  him,  in  a  trance  of 
tender  admiration,  while  she  rapidly  revolved  the 
dangers  to  which  he  would  thus  expose  himself. 
Her  rank,  her  fortune,  her  father's  will,  and  her 
uncle's  influence,  would  all  unite  to  make  the  life 
of  her  lover,  answer  for  his  temerity.  For  his  sake 
therefore,  she  steadily  declined  it,  though  he  fell 
at  her  feet,  and  implored  her,  even  with  tears,  to 
consent. 

Constantia  trembled  and  wept  too:   but  there 


184       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

was  a  sad  foreboding  at  her  heart,  which  strength- 
ened her  resolution* 

Continued  harshness  and  restraint,  bursts  of  vio- 
lence, threats,  invectives  against  her  lover's  charac- 
ter, or  menaces  against  his  safety,  had  long  worn 
on  her  spirits,  and  gradually  sapped  the  foundations 
of  life.  Cut  off  from  every  consolation  ;  and  wil- 
fully kept  in  anxiety  for  Demetrius,  by  seeing  only 
those  papers  which  detailed  the  horrors  and  not  the 
particulars  of  every  battle,  her  health  had  imper- 
ceptibly given  way :  she  was  now  the  shadow  of 
herself;  and  except  at  this  period  when  tumultuous 
agitation  kindled  a  flame  on  her  checks,  and  new- 
strung  her  nerves,  no  tint  of  colour  animated  her 
features  ;  no  elasticity  gave  spring  to  her  unsteady 
steps. 

Demetrius,  whose  admiring  eyes  saw  rapture 
sparkling  in  tier's,  who  beheld  no  change  in  her 
beautiful  person  but  what  appeared  the  natural  ef- 
fect of  an  unquiet  mind,  was  far  from  divining  the 
gloomy  presentiment  which  suddenly  altered  her 
manner. 

When  she  had  silenced  all  his  arguments  for 
her  flight,  she  felt  as  if  in  doing  so,  she  had  signed 
their  eternal  separation.  After  that  night,  they 
might  never  behold  each  other ;  she  might  not  live 
long  enough  to  see  another  meeting.  At  these 
thoughts,  she  burst  into  a  passion- of  tears;  again 
and  again  she  pressed  his  hand  wildly  to  her  bean 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        185 

and  the  convulsive  sobs  which  shook  her  whole 
frame,  choked  the  fond  lamentation  that  struggled 
to  her  lips. 

Alarmed,  distressed,  astonished  beyond  mea^- 
sure,  Demetrius  vainly  besought  her  to  impart  the 
cause  of  this  strange  emotion.  Constantia  only  re- 
plied by  fresh  tears  :  At  that  instant  the  palace 
clock  struck  twelve ;  it  electrified  the  Princess : 
She  started  up,  hastily  exclaiming,  "  We  must  part 
now." 

"  O  not  yet,  not  yet,  my  Constantia ;"  exclaim- 
ed Demetrius,  retaining  the  hand  with  which  she 
had  clasped  his,  "  leave  me  not,  till  you  have  told 
me  that  I  may  come  here  again.  To-morrow  night 
at  the  same  hour — your  uncle  will  still  be  absent. — - 
All  that  I  wished  said  to  you,  I  have  left  unsaid. — 
To-morrow,  dearest,  sweetest  Constantia,  tell  me 
you  will  be  here  .  " 

The  Princess  promised ;  and  exchanging  a  hasty 
embrace,  vanished  from  his  sight. 

Demetrius  stood  like  a  disenchanted  man.  The 
bright  vision  was  gone  ;  and  for  awhile  he  scarcely 
knew  whether  to  believe  it  had  indeed  been.  Pierre's 
entrance  brought  back  his  senses. 

He  gratefully  grasped  his  hand.  u  I  am  indebt- 
ed to  you  for  more  than  life,"  he  said,  "  and  I  will 
never  forget  it.  But  for  heaven's  sake  remem- 
ber, Pierre,  that  the  least  indiscretion  would  ruin 
Princess  Constantia  for  ever.     Henceforth,  do  not 

R  2 


186        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

whisper  this  night's  adventure,  even  to  your  own 
thoughts.  I  fear  nothing  but  accidental  imprudence 
in  you,  for  I  am  confident  you  would  never  wilfully 
betray  me." 

The  cheeks  of  Pierre  glowed :  he  replied  with 
all  the  vehemence  of  his  nation,  heaping  vow  upon 
vow,  and  protestation  upon  protestation.  His  mas- 
ter shook  him  again  by  the  hand  ;  and  then  turning 
away  soon  reached  the  place  from  which  they  jump- 
ed into  the  road.        • 

The  whole  of  the  next  day,  was  spent  by  De- 
metrius in  an  impatient  longing  for  night ;  yet  he 
forced  his  mind  into  exertion,  for  the  sake  of  his 
brother. 

Select  parties  were  admitted  of  an  evening  to 
the  room  where  Count  Leopolstat  was  confined : 
his  benevolent  spirit  delighted  in  the  sight  of  dif- 
fused pleasure  :  he  could  even  join  in  the  playful- 
ness of  gay  discourse  ;  and  though  unable  to  in- 
crease the  concert  himself,  was  gratified  by  hearing 
music  from  others. 

The  Countess  of  Reusmarck  was  the  only  per- 
son this  evening,  who  added  to  the  domestic  circle. 
Demetrius  quitted  it  early,  and  bidding  Pierre  at- 
tend him,  hurried  towards  the  palace. 

How  different  was  the  scene,  from  what  it  ap- 
peared when  last  he  saw  it !  A  chill,  tempestuous 
night,  blackened  and  agitated  every  object.  The 
enormous  trees,  bending  to  their  very  roots  beforr 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        187 

the  wind,  cast  gigantic  shadows,  as  they  waved 
across  the  front  of  the  edifice.  The  moon  herself, 
seemed  pale  with  fear,  as  the  clouds. driving  over 
her  face,  were  sometimes  rent  asunder,  and  scatter- 
ed by  the  storm.  One  continued  roar  of  trees  and 
water,  pealed  around  Demetrius  :  He  trembled  for 
the  safety  of  Constantia,  when  he  beheld  large 
branches  torn  off  by  the  furious  blast,  and  falling  on 
every  side  of  him. 

Pierre  was  sheltered  in  a  root-house,  at  some 
little  distance ;  but  he,  stood  forth  under  the  incle- 
ment sky,  praying  that  his  Princess  might  have 
abandoned  the  attempt. 

Just  as  he  had  completely  satisfied  himself  that 
she  would  not  come,  he  turned  at  the  murmur  of  a 
breathless  voice,  and  beheld  her  near  him,  sinking 
with  fatigue  and  apprehension. 

"  I  have  been  so  frightened !"  she  gasped  out, 
while  he  led  her  into  the  grotto,  u  it  is  a  long  way 
round,  from  the  house  j  and  the  noise  of  the  trees 
on  every  side — the  dreadful  darkness — I  thought  I 
should  never  have  lived  to  reach  you."  A  deep 
sigh  broke  forth  with  the  last  words,  and  her  head 
sunk  on  the  shoulder  of  her  lover. 

The  moon  now  momentarily  gleaming  into  the 
grotto,  shewed  Demetrius  her  pallid  face  :  he  spoke 
to  her,  but  she  was  insensible.  Exhausted  by  toil 
and  terror,  oppressed  with  a  conviction  of  her  own 
decay,  she  had  fainted. 


188       THE  ^VVGARIAU   BROTHERS. 

His  alarm  at  this  circumstance,  was  heightened 
by  the  consciousness  of  their  distance  from  any  suc- 
cour. He  could  only  chafe  her  cold  hands,  and 
press  his  warm  cheek  to  her's,  as  if  hoping  that 
might  communicate  something  of  its  own  life. 

She  revived  shortly  after :  yet  the  clay-like  co- 
lour of  her  once  vivid  complexion,  still  remained  : 
her  hands  trembled,  her  lips  quivered,  her  respira- 
tion was  quick  and  interrupted,  and  when  she  at- 
tempted speech,  she  was  obliged  to  stop  frequently, 
for  want  of  breath. 

Demetrius  gazed  on  her,  with  an  air  of  distrac- 
tion. 

"  Is  this  but  fatigue,  or  fear,  my  Constantia  ?" 
he  exclaimed,  "  or  some  new  suffering  occasioned 
by  your  uncle?  or  is  it,  what  my  fond  heart  will 
break  to  have  confirmed, — is  it  illness  ?" 

Tears  swam  in  the  Princess's  eyes,  as  she  an- 
swered him. 

"  I  am  not  so  well  as  I  used  to  be,"  she  .sighed 
out,  M  but  you  know  I  never  was  very  strong ;  and 
such  a  separation  from  you,  together  with  anxieties 
and  discomforts,  have  rather  injured  my  health  ; 
however,  I  promise  to  live  for  your  sake."  She 
stopped,  then  added  in  a  suffocated  tone,  "  if  Hea- 
ven permit  me !" 

"  If  Heaven  permit  you  !"  repeated  Demetrius, 
clasping  her  hands  with  agony  in  his ;  "  O  Con- 
stantia!   am   I  a   second  time  to  suffer — "     He 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        189 

broke  off  abruptly ;  and  suddenly  releasing  her, 
walked  to  the  end  of  the  grotto. 

At  sight  of  her  lover's  anguish,  Constantia  re- 
proached herself  for  yielding  to  a  despondency 
which  accidental  circumstances  had  thus  deepened. 
She  approached  Demetrius,  and  sought  to  compose 
him.  He  turned  wildly  round,  and  passionately 
upbraided  her  for  concealing  her  altered  health  from 
her  friends. 

"  What  could  I  do  ?"  asked  Constantia,  u  how 
was  I  to  have  informed  them  ?  you  forget  that  I 
have  long  been  denied  the  privilege  of  seeing  or 
writing  to  any  one." 

"  Was  there  no  creature  in  that  hateful  house, 
who  was  accessible  to  bribery  or  intreaty  ? — surely 
some  servant  might  have  been  found — " 

Constantia  gently  interrupted  him  :  u  I  have 
always  held  such  conduct  in  abhorrence.  Not  even 
for  you,  my  Demetrius,  would  I  try  to  corrupt  the 
fidelity  of  another.  Not  that  I  consider  myself 
bound  to  keep  terms  with  my  uncle  ;  (for  every 
stratagem,  I  can  invent  to  see  or  correspond  with 
you,  I  shall  seize  without  scruple ;)  but  a  principle 
of  right,  teaches  me  not  to  procure  my  own  grati- 
fication at  the  expense  of  an  inferior's  integrity." 

Demetrius  gave  her  a  look,  expressive  of  that 
admiration,  which  for  awhile  had  displaced  his 
grief.     Constantia  seized  the   calm  moment,  and 


190        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

taking  up  a  casket  which  fell  from  her  hand  when 
she  fainted,  held  it  out  to  him. 

"  This  little  casket,  she  said,  with  a  languid 
smile,  contains  the  means  of  future  happiness,  I 
trust  for  both  of  us.  Listen  to  me  Demetrius. 
After  we  parted  last  night,  I  spent  many  hours  in 
revolving  our  conversation,  and  considering  the 
best  method  for  ending  the  cruel  oppression  that 
undermines  my  health.  The  result  of  these  reflec- 
tions, has  been  a  determination  to  appeal  publicly 
against  the  tyranny  of  my  uncle. 

"  I  have  written  a  candid,  and,  I  hope,  mode- 
rate narrative  of  the  undue  methods  by  which  he 
endeavours  to  influence  my  will :  I  have  stated  my 
own  willingness  to  remain  obedient  to  him  in  all 
reasonable  things,  even  to  that  of  foregoing  any  in- 
tercourse with  you,  till  his  guardianship  should  ex- 
pire ;  and  I  have  addressed  this  to  a  near  relation 

of  our's,  the   Canoness  of ,  whom   I  intreat 

to  take  such  legal  steps  as  may  transfer  this  power 
to  herself ;  being  ready  to  seclude  myself  in  a  con- 
vent under  her  protection,  till  I  am  of  age. 

"  This  narrative,  with  copies  of  my  dear  father's 
and  grandmamma's  wills,  are  inclosed  in  the  casket 
I  now  give  you. — It  rests  with  you,  my  Demetrius, 
to  have  it  delivered  safely.  If  you  can  confide  in 
your  servant,  let  him  set  off  with  it,  immediately,  to 

in  Bohemia,  where  the  Canoness  now  is.     I 

trust  the  course  of  justice,  is  not  interrupted  in 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        191 

Franconia;  once  released  from  the  misery  of  per- 
petual persecution,  I  think,  health  would  soon  re- 
turn to  me  :  and  then,  to  wait  only  eighteen  months, 
for  bliss  and  my  Demetrius,  would  not  be  insup- 
portable." 

Unable  to  rephf ,  Demetrius  kissed  her  hands 
fervently.  A  long  silence  ensued :  after  which 
they  conversed  on  the  probable  event  of  this  new 
enterprize.  It  seemed  to  Demetrius,  like  a  pros- 
pect of  paradise:  His  sanguine  soul  rushed  for- 
wards to  meet  its  completion,  with  a  joy  so  certain, 
that  it  painted  his  countenance  with  fresh  bloom. 

His  health,  his  youth,  his  beauty,  still  flourish- 
ed in  the  sight  of  Constantia,  while  her's  were  fast 
wasting  into  nought :  She  could  have  wept  with 
bitter  regret,  had  not  regard  for  his  feelings,  re- 
pelled her  tears. 

It  was  settled,  that  Pierre  should  be  dispatched 
to  the  Canoness,  early  the  next  morning ;  and  that 
Demetrius  might  as  he  saw  fit,  impart  the  business 
to  his  brother  and  Adelaide.  Constantia  being 
only  anxious  to  preserve  them  from  her  uncle's  in- 
sult. 

She  instructed  her  lover  to  deposit  the  Ca- 
noness's  answer  in  the  hollow  of  an  old  tree,  which, 
though  near  that  part  of  the  wall  by  which  he  en- 
tered the  grounds,  was  so  overgrown  by  other  trees 
and  a  quantity  of  ivy,  that  it  was  not  likely  to  be 
observed  by  others.     Here  the  letter,  covered  with 


192        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

moss  and  leaves  and  stones,  might  lie  till  she  had 
next  an  opportunity  of  visiting  the  gardens,  and  re- 
placing it  by  one  from  herself. 

With  this  night,  their  meetings  were  to  end  : 
for  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg  was  expected  the  en- 
suing day.  When  they  might  meet  again,  Deme- 
trius knew  not :  and  he  would  therefore  have  pro- 
longed her  stay,  beyond  discretion,  had  it  not  been 
for  the  threatening  appearance  of  the  night,  which 
now  foreboded  heavy  rain. 

The  moon  and  stars  were  completely  obscured ; 
the  wind  only  rushed  through  the  trees,  in  unfre- 
quent  blasts ;  and  the  sides  of  the  grotto,  became 
moist  and  cold. 

After  combating  much  opposition  from  the 
timid  Princess,  he  at  length  obtained  permission  to 
accompany  her  as  far  as  the  entrance  of  a  high, 
green  terrace  behind  the  palace,  where  opened  an 
apartment,  of  which  her  indulgent  aunt  had  given 
her  the  key. 

Demetrius  threw  the  military  cloak  he  wore, 
around  the  slender  form  of  his  beloved ;  and  half 
wafting  her  forward  with  his  arm,  speeded  her 
trembling  steps,  and  quieted  her  fears. 

They  were  both,  too  anxious,  and  too  hurried 
for  conversation.  Sometimes  Demetrius  pressed 
her  momentarily  against  his  breast,  as  they  flew 
along ;  sometimes  a  sigh  bursting  from  both  their 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        193 

hearts  at  the  same  instant,  seemed  to  mingle  their 
very  beings. 

They  proceeded  in  utter  darkness,  under  fast- 
falling  drops  of  rain  ;  till  quitting  the  shade,  the 
solitary  terrace,  with  only  one  dim  light  burning  in 
the  lower  chamber,  stretched  darkly  before  them. 
They  stopped ;  and  Constantia  throwing  herself 
back  into  the  arms  of  her  lover,  renewed  her  pray- 
ers for  his  safety,  and  the  completion  of  their  mutual 
wishes.  She  then  tore  herself  from  his  embrace  ; 
and  Demetrius  turned  sorrowfully  back. 

In  all  probability,  Pierre  had  been  solacing  him- 
self with  the  society  of  the  gardener's  daughter ; 
for  he  displayed  not  the  least  discontent  at  his  mas- 
ter's long  absence  ;  though  the  place  he  sheltered 
in,  was  not  high  enough  to  admit  any  thing  taller 
than  a  spade. 

Demetrius  found  him  contentedly  sitting  among 
bags  of  flower-seeds,  and  bundles  of  dried  herbs : 
He  started  up  at  the  sound  of  his  voice,  and  ex- 
pressed the  utmost  pleasure  at  seeing  him  safe 
again. 

"  You  must  be  in  my  chamber  to-morrow  morn- 
ing, by  day-break:"  said  Demetrius,  when  they 
reached  his  lodgings.  "  I  have  business  that  you 
must  do  for  me,  in  Bohemia.  I  confide  in  ycu  im- 
plicitly, you  see  Pierre. — Remember  discretion. — 
Good  night." 

Pierre  promised,  and  they  entered  the  house. 

VOL.  II.  s 


194  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

The  morning  was  just  dawning,  when  the  active 
Pierre,  presented  himself,  ready  habited  for  his 
journey:  Demetrius  then  gave  him  a  sealed  packet, 
directing  him  to  deliver  it  into  no  hands  but  those 
of  the  Canoness  ;  to  wait  her  answer,  and  when  he 
had  got  that,  to  return  with  the  utmost  speed. 

He  waited  the  reappearance  of  Pierre,  before  he 
ventured  to  r.gitate  Charles  and  Adelaide,  with  the 
detail  of  his  own  rashness,  and  Princess  Constantia's 
sufferings.  When  this  expected  messenger  arrived, 
he  brought  a  billet  from  the  Canoness,  which,  (as 
Demetrius  was  to  open),  at  once  dissipated  every 
fear.     It  contained  these  lines. — 

"  To  Princess  Constantia  of  Nuremberg. 

"  MY   DEAR   CHILD  ! 

"  I  have  received  your  distressing  appeal  against 
the  treatment  of  your  guardian  ;  and  I  hope  you 
will  find,  by  my  future  conduct  in  the  affair,  that 
you  have  not  applied  to  an  unfeeling  relation.  I 
do  not  sanction  family  feuds :  but  still  less  do  I  ap- 
prove of  an  abuse  of  power :  So,  if  on  further  peru- 
sal, and  consideration  of  what  you  have  written,  and 
after  thorough  investigation,  I  find  no  reason  to  alter, 
my  present  resolution,  you  may  speedily  expect  le- 
gal redress. 

"  Of  the  young  Count  in  question,  and  the  pro- 
priety of  your  persisting  to  marry  him,  when  you 
come  of  age,  we  will  talk  when  I  see  you :  /  shall 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        195 

©nly  try  to  persuade  ;  your  uncle  it  seems,  has 
threatened.  Farewel  my  dear  child,  I  commend 
you  to  the  keeping  of  all  the  saints,  and  am  your 
affectionate  kinswoman 

Ulrica." 

With  this  precious  pledge  of  success  in  his  hand, 
Demetrius  hastened  to  Baron  Ingersdorf's,  where 
he  confided  to  his  brother  and  to  Adelaide,  the  im- 
portant secret. 

They  heard  him,  with  very  different  feelings 
from  those  which  crimsoned  his  cheek,  and  made 
his  pulses  beat :  Joy,  sat  on  his  smooth  brow ;  so- 
licitude and  distrust  contracted  theirs.  It  was  not 
till  Demetrius  had  repeated  every  circumstance, 
and  coloured  the  attachment  of  Pierre,  in  the  warm- 
est manner,  that  Leopolstat  admitted  a  belief  of  his 
honesty*,  however,  the  second  meeting  with  Con- 
stantia,  having  passed  off  safely,  and  a  letter  from 
her  relation  being  then  before  them,  were  the  strongs 
est  arguments  in  his  favour. 

Charl'es^esought  Demetrius  to  confide  nothing 
to  his  servant,  which  necessity  did  not  demand ; 
lamenting  that  the  attachment  between  his  brother 
and  the  Princess,  prevented  his  standing  forth  as 
her  champion,  in  a  cause  which  had  claims  upon 
every  man  of  honour.  Where  there  were  such 
splendid  inducements  for  selfishness  to  seek  its 
own  aggrandisement,  by  vindicating  her  freedom  of 


1961  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

choice,  he  knew  that  few  spirits  would  believe  them 
actuated  by  nobler  motives.  He  therefore  exhort- 
ed Demetrius,  to  avoid  any  precipitate  measure 
dictated  by  the  mere  passion  of  love. 

When  her  brother  went  out,  to  deposit  the  let- 
ter in  the  appointed  place,  Adelaide  renewed  the  dis- 
course :  She  trembled  at  the  possibility  of  treachery 
in  an  affair  which  involved,  not  merely  the  happi- 
ness, but  perhaps  the  life  of  her  dearest  Constantia; 
to  end  this  doubt,  she  suggested  a  plan  which  Leo- 
polstat  sanctioned  by  the  fullest  approval. 

It  was  a  letter  to  Count  Forshiem  ;  whose  vi- 
cinity to  the  Canoness's  abode,  would  enable  him  to 
learn  from  her  own  lips,  whether  a  packet  from  her 
voung  relation  had  really  been  delivered  into  her 
hands.  If  his  inquiry  should  be  answered  in  the 
affirmative,  Adelaide  allowed  they  might  then  dis- 
miss every  fear  of  Pierre's  fidelity,  and  look  with 
•  onndence  to  the  release  of  their  friend. 

"  I  shall  say  nothing  of  this,  to  Demetrius ;" 
*aid  the  Countess,  as  she  wrote  the  letter  for  her 
husband,  "  he  would  be  indignant  at  my  suspicions 
of  this  poor  servant.  But  I  don't  suspect  him,  be- 
cause he  is  poor  and  ignorant,  'tis  because  he  is  a 
Frenchman." 

"  Equally  liberal,  and  unprejudiced,  my  Ade- 
laide ! "  observed  the  Count,  smiling,  "  trust  me, 
many  a  gallant  and  virtuous  man,  marches  even 
under  the  banner  of  Buonaparte." 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        197" 

"  Now,  are  not  you,  illiberal,  in  this  unqualified 
expression .? "  his  wife  archly  asked. 

u  Surely  not:"  was  his  reply,  "for  we  can  form 
a  judgment  of  an  individual,  from  the  tenor  of  his 
conduct;  that  which  we  pass  on  multitudes,  of 
whom  we  only  know  that  they  were  born  in  such  a 
particular  country,  must  be  contemptibly  errone- 
ous." 

Pleased  to  be  convinced  by  her  husband,  Ade- 
laide, like  all  other  good  wives,  acknowledged  the 
superiority  of  his  reason  by  which  she  was  silenced : 
and  Charles,  more  than  ever  enamoured  of  her  gen- 
tleness, almost  thought  imperfections  lovely,  when 
they  thus  afforded  opportunities  for  the  display  of 
affection. 

Demetrius,  meanwhile,  was  watching  an  oppor- 
tunity to  place  a  letter  from  himself,  and  that  of 
the  Canoness,  in  the  hollow  tree.  It  was  some 
time  ere  he  found  the  road  quite  solitary:  He  then 
vaulted  over  the  wall,  deposited  his  packet;  wafted 
a  thousand  sighs,  kisses,  and  blessings,  to  the  pri- 
son of  his  Constantia,  and  hastened  back  to  Baron 
Ingersdorf's. 


s  2 


198       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 


CHAP.  IX. 


FROM  the  hour  in  which  she  last  saw  Deme- 
trius, Princess  Constantia  was  suffering  both  from 
illness  and  affliction. 

The  inclement  night  under  which  she  went  to 
meet  her  lover,  had  pierced  her  delicate  frame  : 
After  reaching  home,  she  sunk  on  her  bed,  scarcely 
.sensible  to  any  thing  but  a  chill  like  death,  which 
had  not- entirely  left  her  limbs,  when  her  aunt  came 
to  see  her  in  the  morning. 

This  kind,  but  weak  woman,  had  always  testifi- 
ed such  compassion  for  Constantia,  that  it  evident- 
ly depended  solely  on  the  latter,  to  insure  her  ac- 
tive friendship  :  yet  Constantia  would  not  use  a  sin- 
gle artifice,  nor  urge  one  complaint,  to  betray  her 
aunt  into  actions  which  she  knew  her  character  well 
enough  to  be  convinced,  would  afterwards  awaken 
repentance. 

The  Princess  of  Nuremberg  lamented  her  hus- 
band's injustice  and  violence  j  and  continued  to  love 
him.     Constantia,  in  her  place,  would  have  made 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        199 

the  cause  of  innocence,  her  own,  and  would  have 
given  the  man  she  once  adored,  only  the  alternative 
of  losing  her  heart,  or  of  abandoning  his  oppression. 

But  she  did  not  expect  this,  from  the  Princess. 
Her  pliant  softness  might  be  won  to  sanction  the 
meetings  of  the  lovers,  or  to  forward  letters  to 
Adelaide  ;  but  in  exciting  her  to  this,  Constantia 
saw  she  would  be  tasking  a  feeble  spirit,  beyond  its 
strength :  as  every  assistance  thus  rendered,  would 
lie  on  the  conscience  of  the  Princess  like  so  many 
sins. 

This  conviction  of  her  aunt's  weakness,  did  not 
lessen  the  gratitude  of  Constantia.  How  warmly 
had  her  affectionate  heart  registered  the  silent  tears 
she  had  shed  for  her  sake,  when  some  alarming  pa- 
ragraph about  the  army,  had  been  cruelly  read  aloud 
by  the  Prince  ! — how  often  had  this  pitying  woman 
stolen  at  midnight  from  the  side  of  her  husband,  to 
bring  those  restoratives  to  Constantia,  which  her  de- 
caying state  demanded,  but,  which  the  worthless 
Nuremberg  prohibited ! — All  these  things,  were  re- 
membered by  one,  in  whom  gratitude  was  only  se- 
condary to  love  ! 

The  Princess  now  sat  by  Constantia's  bed, 
while  she  took  her  slight  breakfast,  and  then  after- 
wards, descended  with  her  into  the  music-room, 
where  she  strove  to  beguile  away  her  indisposition, 
by  the  charms  of  harmony. 

When  the  day  was  far  advanced,  Nuremberg- 


200       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS* 

returned   alone ;   and  then  his  stormy  brow,  an- 
nounced a  coming  whirlwind. 

He  fixed  his  eyes  upon  his  niece,  with  a  look 
that  withered  her  very  heart.  She  turned  pale  j 
almost  fancying  she  saw  in  that  look,  his  knowledge 
of  her  appeal  to  the  Canoness. 

Contrary  to  his  usual  custom  he  never  address- 
ed her  ;  spoke  little  to  his  wife,  and  that  in  a  bitter 
spirit ;  angrily  repulsed  his  child  when  it  attempt- 
ed to  caress  him  ;  and  on  seeing  it  creep  towards 
Constantia,  fiercely  plucked  it  back,  exclaiming  in  a 
voice  like  a  clap  of  thunder,  "  Have  I  not  com- 
manded you  to  avoid  her,  as  you  would  poison  ?" 

The  pretty  babe  ran  sobbing,  and  cast  itself  into 
its  mother's  arms  ;  who,  with  a  tone  of  sorrowful 
reproach,  merely  ventured  to  pronounce  her  hus- 
band's name.- — Constantia  trembled,  and  grew  paler 
still. 

The  Prince  then  rang  for  refreshments  :  found 
fault  with  every  thing  that  was  brought ;  cursed 
the  weather,  the  house,  and  the  situation  ;  quarrel- 
led in  short  with  every  object  that  met  his  sight,  or 
came  into  his  thoughts  ;  and  acted  all  the  extrava- 
gancies of  a  madman,  without  deigning  to  give  his 
terrified  wife,  the  least  intimation  of  what  had  hap- 
pened to  discompose  him. 

After  exhausting  his  rage  upon  contemptible 
subjects,  he  suddenly  struck  into  political  prophecy ; 
painting  the  state  of  the  empire,  in  colours  which 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        201 

made  his  hearers  shudder.  He  detailed  the  scheme 
of  the  remaining  part  of  the  campaign ;  and  hav- 
ing exaggerated  the  French  troops,  and  the  hor- 
ror of  combating  them  amongst  the  Alps,  informed 
his  wife,  that  Count  Leopolstat's  hussars,  were  or- 
dered on  that  service.  "  Every  one,"  he  exclaim- 
ed, with  malicious  triumph,  "  every  one  looks  up- 
on these  fellows  as  already  in  their  graves.  Of 
course,  they  must  all  be  cut  in  pieces  :  even  that 
young  lady's  redoubtable  hero  ;  unless  he  be  a  se- 
cond Achilles,  invulnerable  every  way  but  in  the 
heel.  However,  I  fear  even  so,  he  might  share  the 
fate  of  his  companions  ;  as  I  am  much  mistaken  if 
he  would  not  turn  on  his  heel,  from  the  enemy." 

At  this  brutal  sarcasm,  Constantia  started  from 
her  seat ;  indignation  lent  her  just  enough  strength 
to  totter  out  of  the  room  :  when  she  reached  ano- 
ther apartment,  she  sunk  breathless  upon  the  ground. 

Never  before,  did  she  so  sensibly  feel  the  altera- 
tion which  decayed  health  had  made  in  her  very 
soul:  a  benumbing  power,  seemed  to  have  con- 
gealed those  quick  tides  of  generous  resentment  and 
glowing  zeal,  that  once  flowed  at  the  smallest  im- 
pulse. She  felt  blighted  in  every  part  of  her  ;  and 
scarcely  thought  it  possible  for  health  and  liberty, 
to  revive  the  capability  of  happiness. 

Of  Demetrius,  she  now  thought  with  grief. 
Abandoned  to  despair,  she  believed  herself  lost  for 
ever  \  and  as  her  eyes  accidentally  fell  on  her  own 


202        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

image  in  a  mirror,  she  averted  them  with  a  thrill  of 
acute  regret.  That  beauty  which  she  never  prized 
till  it  had  been  praised  by  Demetrius,  that  beauty 
which  she  wished  preserved  only  to  delight  him, 
was  gone,  most  likely  never  to  return  :  And  the 
spirit  which  formerly  gave  it  its  brightest  charm, 
was  completely  annihilated. 

Weeping  and  disconsolate,  she  seated  herself  in 
a  window,  from  which  she  gazed  upon  that  part  of 
the  garden,  where  she  had  so  lately  been  with  her 
lover :  She  gazed  with  piercing  pain ;  for  her 
thoughts  were  full  of  the  belief  that  they  should 
meet  no  more  in  this  world.  Sad  ideas  floated  suc- 
cessively through  her  mind,  in  the  language  of  love 
and  melancholy,  till  they  formed  themselves  into 
the  following  stanzas. — 

To  Demetrius. 

While  from  my  cheek,  health's  redd'ning  glow  re- 
treats, 
And  youth's  bright  light,  deserts  my  dark'ning  eyes  ; 
While  scarce  a  pulse  beneath  that  pressure  beats, 
Which  pitying  tenderness  so  oft  applies  ; 

While  cheerful  thought  expires,  and  hope  decays, 
And  all  things  wither  in  my  heart,  save  thee  ; 
How  can  I  wish  to  blight  thy  summer  days, 
By  linking  thine,  to  my  sad  destiny  ? 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        20S 

Is  it  for  me,  (faint,  spiritless,  and  cold,) 
To  cling  destroying,  on  thy  opening  years  ; 
With  dead'ning  force  their  shooting  powers  enfold, 
And  drench  each  ardent  bloom,  in  killing  tears  ? 

Is  it  for  me,  to  pay  thy  gen'rous  love 

With  a  chang'd  person,  and  a  changing  mind  j 

Seeking  alone,  a  selfish  joy  to  prove, 

While  vows  eternal,  should  thy  honour  bind  ? 

Perish  the  thought ! — and  let  this  cherish'd  fire 
That  even  now  burns  quenchless  in  my  breast ; 
This  passion  true,  this  fond,  this  pure  desire, 
Sink  with  my  wasting  frame  to  endless  rest. — 

Gone,  are  the  rosy  smiles  that  won  thy  heart ; 
The  sparkling  glance,  the  gay  delighted  air  ; 
Sorrow  and  sickness  both,  have  said,  depart ! 
To  all  that  made  me  in  thy  fancy,  fair : 

Then5  since  no  blessing  I  have  left  to  give, 
Since  youth,  and  health,  and  hope,  before  me  fly ; 
For  thee,  no  longer  will  I  ask  to  live  ; — 
But,  ah  !  for  thee,  thee  only,  do  I  die. 

Her  whole  soul  was  absorbed  in  the  awful  idea, 
suggested  by  the  last  line,  when  the  Princess  of 
Nuremberg  entered  the  apartment.  u  Had  you 
not  better  retire  to  rest?"  she  said  softly  :  "  Ama- 
deus  has  been  playing,  I  find,  and  bad  luck  has  em- 


204       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

bittered  his  temper  more  than  usual.  Forgive  him, 
my  dearest  girl ;  he  means  well ;  but  he  does  not 
know  the  nature  of  women:  he  believes  we  are  only 
to  be  conquered  by  authority.  Lean  on  my  arm — 
I  will  lead  you  up  stairs,  and  though  I  dare  not 
stay  with  you,  the  good  Josepha  shall  watch  by  you, 
till  you  sleep." — 

Constantia' s  swimming  eyes,  gratefully  lifted 
for  a  moment  from  the  ground,  thanked  her  aunt : 
she  took  her  arm  with  a  sigh:  and  slowly  advanc- 
ing from  one  landing  of  the  stair-case  to  another,  at 
length  reached  her  own  chamber. 

No  refreshing  slumber  settled  on  the  heavy  eye- 
lids of  Constantia :  her  rest  was  broken  with  fever- 
ish starts,  acute  pangs,  and  all  those  mixed  tor- 
ments of  burning  heat  and  chilling  rigors,  which 
precede  a  violent  disorder.  Multitudes  of  hideous 
spectres  seemed  gliding  through  the  gloom  of  her 
apartment ;  and  sometimes  she  started  from  a  pro- 
found sleep,  at  the  fancied  sound  of  supernatural 
whisperings. 

In  the  morning,  Josepha  (an  old  domestic  who 
had  not  left  her  all  night)  roused  the  family  physi- 
cian :  He  found  the  young  Princess  delirious,  and 
her  fever  increasing  every  hour. 

From  the  moment  this  intelligence  was  com- 
municated to  the  wife  of  Nuremberg,  she  refused 
to  abandon  Constantia,  in  what  she  deemed  her 
last  agonies  ;  though  her  barbarous  husband,  mut- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.       205 

tcred  horrible  triumphings,  and  loaded  her  with 
every  term  of  contempt.  She  watched  in  the  sick 
chamber,  day  and  night,  for  seven  days,  when  the 
fever  turned  favourably  ;  and  the  Prince  received 
a  letter,  which  forcing  him  to  quit  home  again,  left 
his  wife  and  niece  to  themselves. 

Unconscious  of  her  danger,  whose  safety  was 
as  precious  to  him  as  his  own  honour,  Demetrius 
spent  four  of  these  seven  days,  in  waiting  for  the 
Canoness's  letter ;  on  the  fifth,  he  concealed  it  in 
the  appointed  place,  and  for  three  successive  morn- 
ings vainly  visited  the  spot,  to  receive  the  promised 
answer.  Disappointed  and  apprehensive,  he  com- 
missioned Pierre  to  discover  the  probable  reason  of 
this  circumstance  ;  and  Pierre  soon  returned  with 
the  afflicting  account  of  Constantia's  illness. 

The  first  shock  of  this  intelligence,  awhile  bereft 
Demetrius  of  every  faculty  :  but  no  sooner  did 
thought  and  passion  return,  than  he  resolved  to 
brave  every  thing,  and  attempt  seeing  her. 

Pierre  respectfully  and  warmly  remonstrated 
against  such  rashness  :  but  finding  his  master  reso- 
lute, he  suggested  a  plausible  method  of  accomplish- 
ing his  wish.  It  was  to  repair  in  the  dark  of  the 
evening,  disguised  as  a  courier,  who  brought  some- 
thing of  import  from  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg: 
so  to  obtain  admittance  to  the  Princess ;  wjiose 
permission  for  seeing  Constantia,  he   might  then 

VOL.    II.  T 


206       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

implore;  or  at  least  obtain  from  her  a  true  state- 
ment of  his  beloved's  situation. 

This  plan  (Pierre  urged,)  could  be  attended 
with  no  other  risk  than  that  of  the  Princess  refus- 
ing to  hear  his  petition  :  while  a  bold  attempt  at  en- 
trance, might  subject  him  to  insult,  perhaps  out- 
rage, from  the  domestics  of  the  Palace.  Nay,  it 
would  not  bring  him  a  step  nearer  the  object  desir- 
ed, as  he  could  not  even  then,  see  Constantia,  un- 
less permitted  by  her  aunt. 

This  prompt  and  feasible  scheme  was  no  sooner 
heard  than  embraced  by  Demetrius :  he  resolved 
to  make  an  essay  that  very  evening,  when  his  ab- 
sence would  not  be  noticed,  as  Charles  was  going 
to  leave  the  confinement  of  a  sopha  for  the  first 
time,  and  receive  a  few  friends,  who  had  not  hither- 
to been  admitted  to  his  presence.  So  wild  a  pro- 
ject, Demetrius  well  knew,  would  not  receive  his 
sanction:  therefore  he  resolved  to  conceal  it,  till 
success  should  have  absolved  him  of  rashness. 

Dinner  was  over,  and  the  happy  family  at  Baron 
Ingersdorf's  gathering  round  their  desert,  when 
they  were  delightfully  surprised  by  the  entrance  of 
Count  Forshiem  and  his  young  wife,  Demetrius 
started  up  with  a  glow  of  pleasant  recollections,  to 
salute  the  still-gay  Lorenza;  while  Adelaide  rose 
smilingly,  to  welcome  this  new  acquaintance  j  and 
Leopolstat  embraced  Forshiem  with  a  brother's 
kindness. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        207 

"  We  have  lately  changed  our  quarters,"  said 
Forshiem  in  answer  to  a  question  of  Marshal  In- 
gersdorfs,  u  and  being  on  the  very  confines  of  Aus- 
tria, I  could  not  resist  a  desire  to  see  Leopolstat's 
recovery  with  my  own  eyes :  besides,  this  dear 
little  fool,  (whom  I  have  the  honour  to  present  to 
you  all,  as  my  agreeable  torment  for  life ;)  was  so 
impatient  to  behold  the  whole  circle,  that  I  had  no 
rest,  till  I  obtained  leave  to  depart." 

u  Have  you  not  got  my  letter?"  asked  Charles. 

44  I  have  not  had  any  letter  these  ten  days,"  re- 
plied his  friend,  "  if  you  wrote  to  our  last  canton- 
ments, it  is  probably  journeying  after  me." 

Adelaide  and  her  husband  exchanged  a  glance 
of  extreme  disappointment ;  but  spoke  not. 

The  conversation  then  took  that  turn  which  al- 
ways happens,  when  long-absent  friends  appear  sud- 
denly, and  meet  in  happiness.  The  circle  was  too 
large,  and  every  person  in  it,  too  much  animated, 
for  a  calm  or  tender  tone  :  the  more  joyous  spirits, 
gave  the  strongest  impulse ;  and  those  that  singly 
would  have  been  serious,  became  soon,  as  tumultu- 
ously  exhilarated  as  Forshiem  himself. 

In  the  midst  of  their  gaiety,  Demetrius  apolo- 
gized for  the  necessity  he  was  under  of  keeping  an 
appointment  which  he  could  not  evade  j  but  express- 
ed a  warm  hope  of  finding  the  party  still  together, 
when  he  should  certainly  return  to  supper. 

No  one  noticed  that  he  spoke  with  agitation,  ex- 


208       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

cept  Charles,  who  was  struck  with  his  manner,  and 
beckoned  him  to  approach.  His  thoughts  were  start- 
led at  the  suspicion  of  another  duel  between  his  bro- 
ther and  Nuremberg. 

"  Why  are  you  so  agitated,  Demetrius,"  he  whis- 
pered>  and  anxiously  pressed  his  hand,  "  for  Hea- 
ven's sake  tell  me,  whether  the  Prince  of  Nurem- 
berg has  discovered — " 

"  He  knows  nothing  about  me,"  hastily  answered 
Demetrius,  "  I  am  not  going  to  meet  him :  he  is  far 
off — surely  Charles  there  is  nothing  wonderful  in 
having  an  appointment  ?  and  mine,  believe  me,  is 
not  one  to  alarm  any-body." 

"  You  are  sure  of  it  r" 

"  Certain,"  and  the  sunny  smile  which  for  a  mo- 
ment brightened  the  face  of  Demetrius,  composed 
his  brother :  he  shook  his  hand  affectionately,  and 
released  him. 

Demetrius  hastened  into  the  garden,  at  the  end 
of  which,  Pierre  was  in  readiness,  with  the  courier's 
dress. 

"  'Tis  like  to  be  a  dreadful  night,"  said  the  man, 
as  he  thrust  his  master's  fine  hair  under  a  huge  lea- 
ther cap. 

"  No  matter,"  replied  Demetrius,  "  I  care  very 
little  <what  sort  of  a  night  it  proves,  if  I  may  but  see 
my  Constantia — and  find  her  indeed  safe" — his  full 
heart  stopped  the  speech. 

The  quick  flashes  of  lightning  that  now  vibrat- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        203 

ed  every  instant  through  the  trees  ;  and  the  distant 
thunder  which  began  to  mutter  low  and  deep  among 
the  clouds,  rather  appalled  Pierre  :  he  expressed 
some  apprehension  for  the  horse  his  master  was  to 
ride,  which  he  had  tied  to  a  tree  at  some  distance 
from  the  garden  gates  :  and  indeed  the  poor  fellow 
was  so  eager  to  get  out  of  danger  himself,  that  he 
scarcely  gave  Demetrius  time  to  adjust  half  his  no- 
vel accoutrements. 

The  night  was  sultry,  and  so  still,  that  except 
the  repeated  peals  of  thunder,  no  sound  was  heard 
to  drown  the  voices  of  Pierre  and  his  master :  they 
were  therefore,  forced  to  speak  in  whispers  ;  and  to 
open  the  iron  gates,  with  extreme  precaution. 

A  broad  sheet  of  lightning  quivered  on  their  sur- 
face, when  Demetrius  impatiently  threw  them  open, 
and  rushed  into  the  road.  He  looked  back  towards 
the  house  ;  thought  of  the  affectionate  circle  he  had 
left  there  ;  and  breathing  a  prayer  for  success  and 
his  Constantia,  took  the  road  to  her  uncle's  palace. 


•*2 


210        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 


CHAP.  X. 


"  IS  not  my  brother  come  yet  ?"  asked  Leopol- 
stat  the  next  morning,  when,  leaning  on  the  arm  of 
his  wife,  he  entered  the  breakfast  parlour. 

Count  Forshiem  answered  in  the  negative,  gaily 
adding,  "  since  he  seems  resolved  to  spoil  our  break- 
fast as  he  did  our  supper,  by  making  it  wait  for  him, 
we  must  enter  into  a  resolution  not  to  forgive  the 
truant  trick  he  played  us  last  night.  Unless  the  gal- 
lant gentleman  can  make  a  very  good  excuse  for  him- 
self, I  think  the  dignity  and  charms  of  these  fair  la- 
dies, have  been  grossly  insulted." 

"The  charms  of  some  lady,  as  fair  as  our's," 
observed  the  Baron,  "  may  have  tempted  him  to 
forego  our  supper." 

"  It's  more  likely,"  interrupted  the  Marshal, 
a  that  the  provoking  puppy  has  caught  an  atrocious 
cold,  and  is  at  this  time  writhing  in  bed.  He  must 
have  been  out,  in  all  that  storm  of  thunder  and  light- 
ning, and  rain,  and  so  I'll  post  off  to  his  lodgings, 
and  see  after  him." 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.  211 

As  the  Marshal  took  up  his  hat,  Charles  thank- 
ed him  with  a  bow  and  a  smile  ;  and  the  two  Count- 
esses laughingly  bade  him  bear  their  eternal  enmity 
to  Demetrius,  for  having  thrown  such  a  stigma  on 
their  joint  attractions. 

u  I  fear  there  is  something  deucedly  inhuman  in 
this  Austrian  air,"  exclaimed  Forshiem,  "  for  I 
protest  to  you  all,  that  not  even  the  woeful  supposi- 
tion uttered  by  the  Marshal  as  he  vanished  just  now, 
has  been  able  to  damp  the  ardour  with  which  I  con- 
template my  breakfast.  Are  you  hungry  good  folks, 
or  are  ye  not  ?  I  profess  myself  famishing  :  and 
therefore,  mean  to  fall  upon  the  bread  and  ham,  this 
very  moment,  and  for  these  very  reasons  : — 

"  If  my  friend  Demetrius  is  only  idle  and  inso- 
lent I  should  be  a  great  fool  to  stay  my  appetite  for 
such  a  coxcomb  :  if  he  is  sickish^  we  shall  all  be  so 
miserable  upon  it,  that  I  know  none  of  us  will  dare 
to  ask  for  anything  to  eat.  I  really  cannot  grieve 
on  an  empty  stomach :  if  I  don't  replenish  myself 
with  food,  I  have  no  strength  to  groan  j  and  if  I 
don't  drink,  I  can  shed  no  tears." 

u  But  you  can  harangue  pretty  stoutly,"  inter- 
rupted his  wife,  "  and  so  fast  and  so  fluently  too,  that 
it  is  the  mutual  interest  of  the  Countess  and  me,  to 
silence  you  with  your  breakfast  immediately.  If  we 
don't  do  so,  your  noisy  tongue  will  have  wearied 
every  body's  attention,  before  we  can  claim  our  fe- 
male privilege,  and  use  our's." 


212       THB  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

The  table  was  now  quickly  surrounded  and  the 
liveliness  which  every  one  assumed  to  drive  away 
the  uneasiness  visible  in  the  face  of  Leopolstat,  soon 
awakened  his  sportive  wit,  and  made  the  time  of  the 
Marshal's  absence,  pass  less  anxiously. 

The  Baron  and  Count  Forshiem  were  i  1  the 
midst  of  a  whimsical  dispute,  when  the  latter  was 
told  that  a  person  wanted  to  speak  with  him  in  the 
anti-room  :  he  obeyed  the  summons.  V*  hat  was  his 
surprise  to  behold,  Marshal  Ingersdorf  with  a  face 
as  pale  as  death,  and  scarcely  able  to  speak  from 
agitation  ! 

Forshiem  stood  aghast.  "  What  has  happened:" 
he  exclaimed,  in  a  low  voice. 

"  He  has  never  been  at  home  !"  exclaimed  the 
Marshal,  "  they  know  nothing  of  him." 

"  Who  do  you  mean?  the  people  at  his  lodgings?" 

"  Yes  ! — they  have  not  seen  him  since  yesterday; 
when  he  was  there  to  dress  for  dinner.  Heaven  only 
knows  whither  he  can  have  gone,  or  what  has  be- 
come of  him  ! — " 

Solicitous  to  quiet  the  alarm  in  which  he  now 
partook  largely  himself,  Forshiem  rather  inconsi- 
derately suggested,  that  he  might  have  supped  with 
a  party  of  wild  young  men,  drank  too  much  wine, 
and  been  betrayed  into  a  momentary  forgetfulness 
©f  every  body  else,  by  the  allurements  of  some 
pretty  opera  girl  j  that  if  this  party  were  held  at 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         213 

©ne  of  the  company's  villas  it  might  be  a  mile  or 
two  off;  and  so  his  late  appearance  was  natural. 

At  mention  of  an  opera  girl,  the  Marshal  rough- 
ly snatched  his  hand  out  of  Forshiem's,  angrily 
saying,  "  No  Sir !  thi%  headstrong  boy  was  once 
the  victim  of  passion;  but  I'd  stake  my  life,  he 
would  never  submit  to  be  the  slave  of  sense." — 

Forshiem's  frank  avowal  that  he  really  spoke 
what  he  was  far  from  believing  himself,  reconciled 
the  Marshal:  in  the  midst  of  their  discourse,  Charles 
appeared. 

His  anxious,  eager  countenance,  instantly  caught 
the  infectious  paleness  of  theirs:  at  that  moment, 
Forshiem  almost  wished  the  earth  would  open  and 
swallow  him,  for  his  late  unseasonable  buffoonery ; 
but  he  hastened  to  atone  for  it,  by  calming  his 
friend's  worst  fears. 

u  I  must  see  these  people  myself:"  said  Charles 
after  Forshiem  ceased,  "  you  know  I  cannot  go  to 
them  j  they  must  be  sent  for — will  you,  my  dear 
fellow,  hasten  to  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg's,  and 
learn  whether  the  Prince  be  there  ;  whether  in  short, 
it  be  possible,  that  a  duel  with  him" — he  stopped, 
overcome  for  an  instant,  then  resumed  hastily,  udid 
you  see  his  servant,  Sir? — surely  he  could  tell  where 
his  master  went  last  night." 

"  His  servant  is  missing  too." — replied  the 
Marshal.  At  this  intelligence  Leopolstat,  struck 
with  the  most  horrible  suspicion,  was  transfixed  ^o 


214        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

the  spot :  the  Marshal  eyeing  him,  shook  off  a  tear, 
and  said  in  a  tremulous  voice,  "  I  could  almost 
wish,  I  had  never  burned  my  fingers  with  touching 
any  of  you ! — I  thought  that  I  had  worked  out  my 
own  happiness,  and  that  ofcfta  dozen  other  folks  be- 
sides, and  I'm  like  to  find  the  very  reverse.  I  tell 
you  Forshiem,  this  Demetrius  has  caused  us  all 
more  heart-aches,  than  ever  he'll  be  worth  ducats. 
I  wish  I  had  him  here,  only  for  five  minutes ! — if 
the  puppy  does  shew  his  face  again,  mind,  I'll  not 
look  at  it.  He  may  come  when  he  likes,  and  go 
when  he  likes,  for  I'll  never  notice  one  of  his  ac- 
tions. His  brother  in  such  a  state  too  ! — I'll  never 
forgive  him — if  he's  above  ground,  I'll  never  for- 
give him." — 

Marshal  Ingersdorf  left  the  room  as  he  conclu- 
ded, in  order  to  send  for  the  persons  Leopolstat 
wished  to  question.  Both  Charles  and  Forshiem 
remained  silent. 

Their  continued  absence  could  not  but  excite 
some  uneasiness  in  the  ladies  and  Baron  Ingers- 
dorf: Adelaide  ventured  to  seek  them ;  and  soon 
afterwards,  the  cause  of  all  this  mystery,  spread  dis- 
may throughout  the  house. 

The  persons  inhabiting  the  place  where  Deme- 
trius had  apartments,  now  appeared.  They  merely 
repeated  Marshal  Ingersdorf 's  first  account ;  except 
that  they  remembered  seeing  Pierre  come  in  at 
night,  with  two  other  men,  and  go  up  to  his  mas- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS,        215 

ter's  room,  where  they  staid  only  a  few  minutes, 
and  went  out  again  all  together. 

The  Marshal  had  himself  been  again  to  the 
lodgings  ;  had  opened  all  the  drawers  and  bureaus, 
but  finding  every  thing  safe,  and  not  a  single  paper 
that  could  lead  to  information,  concluded  Pierre 
was  innocent  of  what  they  suspected — a  robbery. 

"  Charles  !  my  dear  Charles  !"  cried  Adelaide 
approaching  him,  as  he  sat  speechless  with  grief  and 
perplexity,  u  we  alarm  ourselves  too  much,  perhaps ; 
is  it  not  possible  that  Constantia  and  he,  may  last 
night,  have  been  so  imprudent  as  to  fly  together:" — 

Her  husband  started  :  joy  flashed  over  his  face  : 
u  O  my  dear  Adelaide,"  he  cried,  u  I  would  pur- 
chase that  conviction,  I  believe  at  the  price  of  half 
my  dearest  hopes." — 

She  blushed,  as  he  pressed  her  to  his  bosom, 
while  she  softly  whispered,  "  Is  it  me,  or  your 
child,  you  would  resign:" — 

"  Not  you,  dearest  angel  of  my  life ! "  Charles 
replied,  u  nor  yet — O  neither!  neither." — 

Count  Forshiem  who  had  been  some  time  ab- 
sent, now  re-entered ;  alas !  he  was  destined  to 
destroy  their  momentary  hope.  The  Prince  of  Nu- 
remberg was  at on  state  business :  the  Princess 

hearing  Count  Forshiem's  errand,  ventured  to  ad- 
mit him  ;  and  had  herself  not  only  told  him  this, 
but  assured  him  Constantia  was  just  pronounced  out 
of  danger  from  a  brain  fever. 


21$  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

Here  ended  this  feeble  ground  for  consolatiom. 
Forshiem,  the  Baron,  and  the  Marshal,  were  again 
dispersed  in  search  of  information :  one  was  charged 
with  scrutinizing  all  parts  of  Vienna  for  the  sus- 
pected Pierre ;  the  other  was  to  procure  advertise- 
ments, to  be  circulated  in  every  direciion ;  the  last, 
was  to  make  a  tour  through  the  places  of  public  en- 
tertainment, which  had  been  open  the  night  before ; 
through  all  the  coffee-houses  where  he  might  have 
been  seen,  or  where  some  person  might  be  iound^ 
who  could  give  account  of  him. 

Charles,  meanwhile,  employed  himself  and  his 
wife,  in  writing  notes  to  different  young  men,  whom 
they  had  heard  Demetrius  mention :  hoping  to  ob- 
tain, through  some  one  of  these  various  channels,  a 
key  to  the  mystery. 

The  day  closed  without  a  single  discovery.  No 
one  had  seen  Demetrius,  since  the  moment  in  which 
he  left  the  room  at  Baron  Ingersdorf 's ;  and  P!  s 
very  few  associates,  proved  their  complete  igno- 
rance of  his  concealment.  Officers  of  justice  were 
now  in  search  of  this  man ;  and  to  his  capture  and 
confession,  Leopolstat  secretly  looked  for  all  that  he 
should  ever  hear  again  of  his  beloved  brother. 

There  was  no  sorrow  on  earth,  strong  enough 
to  conquer  Charles's  consideration  for  those  around 
him.  He  stifled  every  expression  of  grief,  or  im- 
patience ;  and  it  was  only  by  his  continual  though 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        217 

suffocated  sighs,  that  Adelaide  found  daring  the 
night,  that  he  never  slept. 

Unable  himself  to  walk,  or  even  to  bear  the 
quick  motion  of  a  carriage,  Leopolstat  was  obliged 
to  delegate  his  duty  to  others.  Again  his  active 
friends  commenced  new  inquiries ;  again  returned 
unsuccessful :  letters,  messages,  visitors,  came  every 
hour  to  the  gate  of  the  house,  but  each  came  to  pro- 
fess the  same  ill-fortune. 

Count  Forshiem  was  at  length  forced  to  aban- 
don his  share  in  a  task  which  he  performed  with  a 
brother's  zeal:  the  truce  was  just  terminating; 
every  officer  was  recalled  to  his  regiment,  and  he 
could  no  longer  remain  from  his.  He  departed, 
leaving  Lorenza  as  a  companion  for  Adelaide,  whose 
spirits  failed  under  the  sight  of  her  husband's  dis- 
tress, and  the  pressure  of  her  own. 

During  a  week's  hopeless  search,  the  thoughts  of 
C  l  Leopolstat  often  reverted  to  Colonel  Wurtz- 
bujgh :  it  is  true,  that  he  had  received  from  this 
gentleman,  a  very  strong  and  amazed  denial  of  his 
having  the  slightest  knowledge  of  Demetrius,  or  his 
concerns  ;  but  still,  an  instinctive  suspicion  haunted 
him  like  a  spectre,  and  like  a  spectre  vanished  when 
he  would  have  scrutinized  it. 

How,  or  why  Wurtzburgh  should  have  a  share 
in  his  brother's  disappearance,  he  could  not  form  an 
idea  : — Wurtzburgh  was  with  his  regiment  near  In- 
golstadt ; — Wurtzburgh  had  of  late,  (at  least  when 

VOL.  II.  tj 


218       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

they  met  in  Ulm,)  been  friendly,  but  not  forward  : 
why, then,  did  he  suspect  the  poor  man? — He  could 
not  answer  the  question ;  yet  for  all  that,  suspicion 
itself,  was  not  silenced. 

Pierre,  unluckily,  had  been  once  the  Colonel's 
servant ;  and  the  association  of  ideas  which  this 
circumstance  naturally  produced,  together  with 
Wurtzburgh's  dubious  conduct  at  Bolzano,  pre- 
vented Charles  from  being  thoroughly  just. 

While  uncertain  of  his  brother's  fate,  his  own 
inaction  appeared  to  him  like  a  crime:  yet  what 
could  he  do;  where  turn,  with  any  shadow  of  hope  ? 
—Without  he  could  be  present  at  the  same  time,  in 
every  part  of  the  globe  at  once,  he  could  not  be  sure 
that  he  was  not  journeying  from  the  very  country 
that  contained  the  object  he  sought;  and  without 
he  had  some  assurance  that  Wurtzburgh  or  the 
Prince  of  Nuremberg,  were  concerned  in  the  affair, 
he  had  not  a  single  claim  upon  them,  for  a  decisive 
answer  to  the  questions  his  soul  burned  to  urge. 

Nothing  but  the  discovery  of  Pierre  was  likely 
to  unravel  the  mystery :  and  for  his  detection,  he 
now  exerted  every  power  of  money  and  of  in- 
fluence. 

A  fortnight  had  elapsed,  when  Baron  Ingers- 
dorf,  (having  previously  assured  himself  that  Ade- 
laide was  in  her  dressing-room,)  entered  the  apart- 
ment of  Charles.  The  deepest  conctrn  was  settled 
on  his  amiable  countenance  ;  his  hands  shook  as  he 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        219 

took  one  of  Leopolstat's  within  his,  and  strenuously 
pressed  it.  "  My  dear  Nephew,"  he  said,  u  I  trust 
you  are  prepared  for  something  very  like  a  confirm- 
ation of  our  worst  fears  !  I  have  just  now  come 
from  a  spot  nearly  a  league  off,  where  a  country- 
man has  discovered "    He  faltered  ;    the  fixed 

eyes  of  Charles  alone  urged  him  to  proceed — u  Has 
discovered,"  he  resumed,  "  the  clothes  of  your  bro- 
ther. They  were  concealed  among  the  bushes  of  a 
thicket;  but  after  diligent  search,  we  conclude,  that 
as  the  river  runs  near — his  body " 

Charles  suddenly  broke  from  the  Barcn's  Sra 
with  all  the  force  of  his  former  strength :  he  Jj 
not ;  but  his  eyes  shot  forth  a  wild  and  lurid  fire, 
as  he  flew  with  frightful  haste  towards  the  door  of 
another  apartment. 

"  Follow  me  not!"— he  wildly  exclaimed,  push- 
ing away  the  Baron  who  would  have  entered  with 
him  j  "  Leave  me  !—  leave  me  to  my  own  heartl- 
and Heaven ! " 

So  saying,  he  closed  the  door  with  pre^:-^_ 
tion,  and  appeared  no  more  for  the  rer 
the  day. 

The  good  Baron,  alarmed  at  tb 
this  despair  might  have  upon  Ac' 
devised  a  method  of  getting  her 
dispatched  a  letter  to  Mada' 
instructions  for  her  conduct 
self  to  his  niece,  with  th£ 


220        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

see  her  immediately.  Having  said  that  the  Count 
was  engaged  with  people  on  business,  he  got  her  to 
leave  the  house  without  seeing  him  ;  and  certain 
that  Madame  de  Reusmarck  would  detain  her  by 
civil  force,  until  the  evening,  he  returned  to  wait 
the  moment  of  his  nephew's  reappearance. 

By  the  time   Count  Leopolstat  had   sufficiently 
mastered  that  mighty  grief,  which  almost  crushed 
the  very  centre  of  life,  he  quitted  his  solitude,  and 
joined  a  melancholy  conference,  now  held  betweea 
aron  Ingersdorf,  and  the  Field  Marshal. 
Adelaide's  situation,  rendered  it  nearly  criminal 
,V*ock  her  with  so  dreadful  a  discovery:  and  as 
it  had  always  been  the  Count's  wish  to  have  his  child 
born  under  his  own  paternal  roof,  it  was  agreed  that 
preparations  for  their  immediate  journey  to  Hun- 
gary, should  be  commenced. — His  wounds  not  yet 
healed,  and  his  debilitated  health  prevented  the  pos- 
sibility of  his  sharing  in  the  future  campaign  ;  and 
as  he  had  unlimited  leave  of  absence  from  the  Com- 
— --  J-*r  in  Chief,   it  had  long  been  his  intention  to 
fcive  air  for  some  months. 
'  Ingersdorf  voluntarily  resigned  the  gra- 
companying  his  son  and  daughter : 
~>te  every  thought  and  every  hour, 
*  discovering  that  wretch  Pierre, 
s   ed  by  them  all,  as  the  mur- 

rre's  crime  astonished. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.       221 

and  sometimes  staggered  their  conviction,  when 
they  reflected  upon  the  small  inducements  he  had 
to  commit  it.  Except  the  miniature  of  Constantia, 
encircled  with  diamonds,  which  Demetrius  wore 
constantly  next  his  heart ;  and  a  very  small  sum  of 
money  in  his  purse  ;  he  carried  nothing  about  with 
him,  to  tempt  any  but  a  hardened  villain,  to  the  act 
of  murder.  Yet,  what  other  motive  could  engage 
Pierre  to  destroy  the  gentlest  and  most  generous  of 
masters  ?  If  he  were  only  the  instrument  of  ano- 
ther's vengeance,  (as  Charles  firmly  believed)  the 
clue  to  a  discovery  was  lost. 

Forshiem.no  sooner  entered  Bohemia^  than  he 
repaired  to ,  where  to  his  utter  disappoint- 
ment, he  found  the  Canoness  had  just  breathed  her 
last. — After  her  death,  (which  was  sudden,)  no 
person  appeared  to  have  met  with  the  appeal  of 
Constantia,  amongst  her  papers  ;  and  no  person 
came  forward,  as  if  entrusted  with  the  secret.  Whe- 
ther the  letter  in  reply,  therefore,  had  or  had  not 
been  her  production,  was  now  left  in  doubt  for 
ever. 

At  this  period,  the  safety  of  his  wife  was  the 
first  consideration  with  Leopolstat:  he  secretly 
covenanted  with  himself  to  wait  till  there  was  no 
longer  any  cause  for  solicitude ;  mean  while,  to 
use  every  means  afforded  by  nature  and  by  art,  for 
his  own  restoration,  and  then  to  revisit  Austria, 
with  the   full  determination  of  keeping  a  never- 

y  2 


222  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

closing  eye  upon  all  the  actions  of  Wurtzburgh  and 
the  Prince  of  Nuremberg. 

"  ..y  spirit  shall  not  sleep,  till  I  have  discover- 
ed thy  fate!"  he  repeated  to  himself  while  he 
thought  of  Demetrius, — "  never,  my  brother,  shall 
it  cease  to  hover  over  the  objects  of  its  suspicion, 
till  Heaven  permits  me  to  blast  them  with  ample 
retribution !" 

When  Adelaide  returned  from  her  visit  to  Ma- 
dame Reusmarck,  she  heard  with  surprize,  but  not 
dissatisfaction,  her  husband's  intention  of  setting 
*Out  for  Leopolstat  the  second  day  after  the  present. 
There  wras  nothing  precious  to  her  in  Vienna,  ex- 
cept Constantia,  whom  she  had  several  times  vain- 
ly attempted  to  see.  To  all  her  solicitations  the 
Prince  of  Nuremberg  had  civilly  replied,  "  his 
niece  was  too  ill  for  company." 

She  now  wrote  to  him  again  ;  and  the  next 
morning  received  a  freezing  permission. 

The  spirits  of  Adelaide,  were  at  present  ill-suit- 
ed to  the  trial  she  anticipated  :  frequently  after  her 
carriage  was  announced,  did  she  rise  to  go  to  it,  and 
as  often  did  she  sink  again  upon  her  chair,  weeping 
and  trembling.  Constantia  had  always  been  inex- 
pressibly dear,  for  her  own  sake,  and  how  much 
more  so  now,  for  that  of  Demetrius  ! — Charles 
dreaded  the  consequence  of  such  a  meeting,  but 
forbore  to  express  his  fears,  lest  his  wife  should 
yield  up  the  sacred  duties  of  humanity  and  friend- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        U23 

ship,  to  her  fondness  for  him.  When  her  agitation 
subsided,  he  led  her  to  the  carriage,  in  which  they 
were  then  slowly  conveyed  to  the  Palace  of  Nu- 
remberg. 

The  Prince  received  Count  Leopolstat ;  the 
Princess,  led  his  Countess  toConstantia.  For  some 
time  after  the  ladies  left  them,  both  gentlemen  were 
silent ;  at  last  the  Prince  said  coldly, 

"  I  find,  Sir,  you  are  still  unsuccessful  in  youf* 
search  after  your  brother. — I  wish  the  young  Count 
had  not  made  it  my  interest  to  rejoice  in  a  circum- 
stance, which  otherwise  my  esteem  for  you,  would 
have  taught  me  to  lament." 

"  I  know  of  nothing,  Prince  !"  replied  Charles, 
severely  eyeing  him,  "  that  can  excuse  any  man 
for  rejoicing  in  the  probable  murder  of  another. — 
Surely,  no  act  of  my  brother's,  privileges  even  the 
Prince  of  Nuremberg,  to  boast  of  so  monstrous  a 
joy."'- 

The  Prince  turned  pale  with  the  violence  of 
that  gathering  passion,  which  he  had  not  courage 
to  shew. 

"  You  must  allow  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg," 
he  said,  "  to  have  some  regard  to  propriet . .  As 
the  brother  of  Count  Leopolstat,  I  should  always 
have  treated  Count  Demetrius  with  just  consid*  ra- 
tion; but  when  he  preposterously  elevated  himself 
to  my  level — when  he  persisted  in  retaining  the  af- 
fections of  Princess  Constantia — " 


224       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

"  And  did  he  persist  ?"  Charles  eagerly  de- 
manded: "When  your  Highness  last  saw  him, 
was  it  not  to  resign  those  proud  hopes ! — Has  he 
since  that  moment  attempted  to  see  or  to  corres- 
pond with  the  Princess  ?" — 

The  penetrating  eyes  of  Leopolstat,  levelled 
full  at  the  Prince,  perhaps  put  the  latter,  too  soon 
upon  his  guard,  for  evidently  checking  a  fierce  re- 
ply, he  answered  peevishly, 

"  No,  I  suppose  he  has  not :  but  the  Princess 
obstinately  persists  in  her  attachment,  though  she 
knows  I  have  other  views  for  her  future  establish- 
ment." 

"  After  this  confession,"  observed  Charles,  "you 
will  pardon  me,  Prince,  when  I  frankly  tell  you, 
that  I  consider  your  conduct  unjust ;  and  must  in- 
sist on  your  recalling  the  expression,  which  produc- 
ed this  unpleasant  discussion.  Recollect,  you  wish- 
ed my  brother  had  not  given  you  reason  to  rej<  ice 
in  his  calamitous  fate:  you  have  now  acknowledg- 
ed his  innocence  ;  you  are  therefore  bound,  as  a 
man  of  honour,  to  unsay  whatever  would  make  that 
innocence  doubtful." 

Nuremberg  instead  of  replying,  walked  up  and 
down  the  room  in  great  agitation.  Charles  calmly, 
but  in  a  tone  of  determination,  enforced  his  de- 
mand :  his  suspicions  of  the  Prince,  gathered 
strength  every  instant;  and  he  hoped  to  push  this 
advantage,  till  the   Prince's   ungoverned  temper* 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        225 

might  discover  that  knowledge  of  the  young  Count's 
elandes.ine  visits,  which  would  furnish  him  with 
grounds  for  further  examination. — 

"  I  should  be  loth  to  demand  publickly,"  resum- 
ed Leopolstat,  "  what  your  Highness  seems  wil- 
ling to  withhold  in  private  i  but  this  recantation 
must  be  made:  yes,  Sir!  it  must:  or  I  stand  dis- 
graced to  my  brother's  memory,  and  my  own  con- 
science, for  ever." 

u  Count,  you  take  an  unfair  advantage  of  me  :" 
returned  Nuremberg,  quivering  as  he  spoke,  M  You 
are  coo:  ;  my  feelings  are  too  keenly  engaged,  for 
me  to  weigh  the  precise  extent  of  every  word's 
meaning.  However,  I  must  repeat,  that  although 
I  might  speak  too  forcibly  of  your  brother,  I  am 
justified  in  asserting  that  it  is  unnatural  to  think  he 
never  found  means  to  see  or  write  to  Constantia, 
without  my  knowledge.  Her  obstinate  constancy, 
is  a  proof  of  it." — 

u  As  damning  a  proof,"  Charles  sternly  ex- 
claimed, "  as  the  mortal  animosity  of  the  Prince  of 
Nuremberg  is,  of  his  being  the  murderer  of  Deme- 
trius."— 

For  the  first  time,  the  Prince  without  changing 
colour,  furiously  dared  the  full  blaze  of  Leopol- 
stat's  eyes  :  he  stood  steadily  opposite  to  him  for 
an  instant,  then  said,  "  Explain  yourself,  Sir." 

Amazed  but  not  confounded  by  this  unexpect- 
ed sign  of  innocence,  Charles  answered,  "  I  do  not 


226       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

accuse  you,  Prince  ;  I  accuse  no  one,  till  furnished 
with  proofs  : — but  I  simply  place  the^  one  accusa- 
tion, against  the  other ;  to  make  you  sensible,  that 
if  I  were  inclined  to  judge  of  your  probable  conduct, 
from  your  avowed  motives,  (as  you  have  done  by 
my  brother,)  my  soul  would  not  merely  accuse,  but 
condemn  you." 

Nuremberg  was  completely  silenced;  though 
his  spirit  inwardly  breathed  curses  on  the  man  into 
whose  power  he  was  thus  betrayed  by  his  own 
madness.  He  could  no  longer  refuse  the  apology 
which  Leopolstat  required:  he  made  it  with  an 
ill-grace,  adding,  "After  this  humiliating  necessity, 
you  cannot  be  surprised,  Count,  to  learn,  that  from 
this  morning,  I  desire  we  may  remain  strangers  ; 
and  that  while  Princess  Constantia  continues  under 
my  guardianship,  I  hope  the  Countess  of  Leopol- 
stat will  never  force  me  to  the  ungracious  task  of 
refusing  a  Lady's  request." — He  did  not  wait  for 
any  other  reply  than  a  dignified  bend  of  the  head, 
which  Charles  made  him,  as  he  darted  out  of  the 
apartment. 

Possessed  with  all  the  furies',  he  hurried  to  a 
room  near  that  of  Constantia's,  where  the  loud  sound 
of  his  voice,  soon  induced  his  Princess,  to  part  the 
two  friends. — Adelaide  then  rejoined  her  Lord, 
and  they  left  the  Palace. 

Far  from  having  to  comfort,  Adelaide  herself 
had  been  comforted.     Constantia.  seemed  inspired 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        227 

with  a  conviction  of  Demetrius's  being  still  alive ; 
and  placed  so  strong  a  dependance  on  this  fond  ima- 
gination, that  Adelaide  insensibly  became  a  convert 
to  it.  Several  detached  speeches  of  her  uncle's, 
authorized  her  in  suspecting  his  know  ledge  of  her 
meetings  with  Demetrius  ;  nay,  he  had  once  drop- 
ped an  expression  which  strongly  indicated  a  suspi- 
cion at  least,  of  her  application  to  the  Canoness  :  he 
had  been  the  first  to  tell  hrr,  that  her  lover  was  mis- 
sing ;  and  had  uniformly  tried  to  persuade  her,  that 
his  own  rash  hand  had  shortened  his  life. 

The  very  admission  of  that  friend  whose  visits 
he  had  hitherto  refused,  wras  another  ground  for  be- 
lieving he  knew  that  Demetrius  was  removed  from 
the  chance  of  injuring  him  :  for  concealed,  not  kill- 
ed, Constantia  thought  him.  Her  uncle's  disposi- 
tion might  lead  him  to  great  enormities  ;  to  the  vio- 
lation of  law,  of  personal  freedom,  of  all  those  ties 
which  bind  men  of  common  honesty  together ;  but 
she  was  incapable  of  supposing  him  so  abandoned 
of  humantiy  and  the  dread  of  future  punishment,  as 
to  become  a  deliberate  murderer. 

She   conceived   that   Pierre  had   betrayed   his 
master's  confidence ;  was  accessary  to  his  disappear- 
ance: and  that  most  likely  on  the  offer  of  a  great 
reward,  would  one  day  discover  the  place  in  which 
D  emetrius  was  then  immured. 

Actuated  by  these  ideas,  she  charged  Adelaide 
to  have  new  advertisements  sent  to  every  popular 


228        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

paper  throughout  Europe,  addressed  to  this  Pierre, 
offering  him  an  enormous  recompense  to  discover 
the  persons  concerned. 

Her  heart  smote  her,  as  she  spoke,  for  she  could 
not  forget  that  Nuremberg  (who  would  be  eternally 
disgraced,  were  he  found  accessary  to  the  plot,) 
was  her  uncle ;  but  the  liberty,  nay,  the  life  of  her 
blameless  Demetrius  was  at  stake  ,as  well  as  her  own 
earthly  peace,  and  that  of  Adelaide  and  Charles :  and 
she  gained  courage  therefore, to  offer  some  of  her  own 
wealth  for  the  prosecution  of  this  renewed  attempt. 

The  sudden  death  of  her  Bohemian  relation, 
banished  the  hope  of  obtaining  an  immediate  re- 
lease from  the  tyranny  of  her  uncle  ;  but  now,  she 
felt  as  if  that  oppression  could  no  longer  injure 
either  her  health  or  her  spirits.  This  new  and 
mighty  anxiety,  by  giving  a  strong  impulse  to  her 
mind,  had  renovated  her  frame ; — she  thought  no 
more  of  herself;  she  remembered  only  Demetrius  ; 
she  felt  as  if  she  ought  not  to  die,  while  his  fate  was 
unknown,  or  his  wrongs  unrevenged.       fc 

Pale,  wasted,  feeble  as  she  seemed,  from  the 
effects  of  her  late  illness,  yet  Adelaide  saw  with 
delight,  life  roused  up  in  all  her  looks :  it  was  not 
the  consuming  blaze  of  feverish  energy,  but  the 
steady,  increasing  glow  of  vital  strength. 

Animated  with  a  new  motive  for  living,  Con- 
stantia  resolutely  refused  to  indulge  herself  in  la- 
mentation when  Adelaide  left  her :  but  she  was  sad ; 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        229 

and  sat  lost  in  reflection,  when  the  door  of  her  apart- 
ment was  thrown  open  by  the  Prince. 

Standing  on  the  threshold,  and  beholding  her 
for  the  first  time  since  her  illness,  he  eyed  her  alter- 
ed figure,  with  a  mixture  of  vexation  and  malice. 
u  Your  exchequer  of  beauty,"  he  said,  insultingly, 
"  will  soon  be  exhausted,  child,  if  you  draw  on  it 
thus  prodigally. — Since  neither  affection  nor  authori- 
ty can  reason  you  out  of  destroying  yourself,  go  to 
your  glass,  and  take  counsel  there :  if  you  have  but 
the  vanity  of  your  d — d  sex,  that  will  have  more 
effect  upon  you,  than  a  hundred  ghostly  lectures." 

Consantia  turned  away  without  speaking.  Irri- 
tated at  her  silence,  the  Prince  continued,  "  I  tell 
you,  girl,  you  can't  afford  this  waste  of  good  looks  : 
in  the  season  of  your  greatest  abundance,  there  w,as 
none  to  spare  ;  and  now  that  you  have  sighed,  and 
groaned,  and  scolded,  and  fainted  away,  the  rosy- 
coloured  blood  that  used  to  make  those  features  of 
your's  tolerable,  believe  me  they  are  reduced  to  very 
common-place  features  indeed. 

"  As  to  the  figure,  on  which  I  know  you  prided 
yourself, — your  neck,  your  arms,  your  finely-round- 
ed shape, — it's  all  vanished :  gone  for  ever,  my 
poor  damsel !  and  if  it  were  not  for  the  beauties 
that  still  exist  in  your  Venetian  estates,  I  verily 
believe,  no  man  on  earth  would  take  you  off  my 
hands." 

A  momentary  flush  of  resentment  on  the  cheek 

VOL,  II.  x 


230       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

of  Constantia,  convinced  the  Prince  that  her  rosy- 
coloured  blood  was  not  quite  gone  ;  she  gave  him  a 
look  of  disdain,  saying,  "  Yes,  Sir !  there  is  one 
man ;  and  he,  thank  heaven,  is  the  only  one  to  whom 
I  would  give  this  person,  changed  as  it  is." 

"  You'd  make  him  a  devilish  handsome  present, 
upon  my  soul !"  exclaimed  her  uncle  ;  tears  gush- 
ed from  Constantia's  eyes,  but  she  concealed  them, 
by  averting  her  head.     He  continued :  "  and  who 
may  this  moderate  Gentleman  be  ? — I  pray." 
"  Count  Demetrius  of  Leopolstat." 
The  Prince  now  burst  into  a  brutal  fit  of  laugh- 
ter, during  which,  Constantia  hastily  endeavoured 
to  pass  him.     "  Stay,  stay,  child  !"  he  cried,  forci- 
bly pushing  her  from  the  door,  "  I  cannot  let  you 
go  yet — you  are  positively  very  diverting. — So,  you 
would  make  a  present  of  yourself  to  a  dead  man ! — 
why  truly,  in  your  present  shadowy  state,  the  idea's 
not  amiss ;  and  I  think  you  would  be  an  admirable 
match  for  him." 

"  Dost  thou  hear  him,  just  heaven  !"  Constantia 
widly  exclaimed,  shuddering,  and  closing  her  eyes, 
as  if  unable  to  look  upon  such  a  monster. 

Nuremberg  now  changed  his  tone  :  his  counte- 
nance blackened  ;  and  roughly  seizing  her  arm,  he 
said,  (in  a  voice  like  distant  thunder)  "Wretch! 
if  thou  could'st  guess  all  that  I  know  of  thy  infernal 
machi nations  ! — I  owe  thee  no  pity — no  mercy— 
and  thou  shalt  find  none." 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        23i 

He  flung  her  from  him,  with  a  violence,  which 
threw  her  against  the  wall ;  but  heedless  of  the  act, 
he  remained  in  her  apartment,  traversing  it  with 
hasty  strides.  Stung  to  the  quick,  by  the  concession 
forced  from  him  by  Count  Leopolstat,  he  now  found 
one  defenceless  creature,  on  whom  to  pour  the  vials 
of  wrath.  Stopping  near  her  again,  he  abruptly 
exclaimed,  u  You  have  seen  your  friend,  Madamr 
Leopolstat,  I  can  tell  you,  for  the  last  time.  None 
bearing  that  name,  shall  ever  again  pollute  my  house, 
with  their  presence." 

u  Your  commands  are  law  in  your  own  house, 
certainly,  Sir,"  answered  Constantia,  "  of  course  I 
shall  never  again  expect  to  see  her  here  ;  but  when 
I  am  my  own  mistress — in  my  own  house" 

The  Prince  interrupted  her — "  So,  you  look  for- 
ward to  that  event,  after  all ! — I  thought  what  your 
burning  passion  would  come  to  ! — You,  that  were 
dying  for  this  Hungarian  Paris,  when  he  was  alive, 
can  now  live  on — aye,  and  live  merrily  too — when 
he  is  dead  ! — for  my  part,  I  expected  to  hear  of 
your  turning  nun  at  least." 

"  Your  Highness  was  mistaken  then,"  replied 
Constantia — "  No,  Sir  ;  do  not,  suppose  I  will  ever 
voluntarily  quit  the  world,  while  there  remains  a 
single  hope  of  finding  him  in  it. — Do  with  me  what 
'you  please  ;  but  I  warn  you,  that  a  day  of  retri- 
bution will  arrive :  as  you  deal  with  me  now, 
shall  you  be  requited  at  my  hands  hereafter. — You 


232       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS, 

dare  not, — I  believe  you  would  not — violently  kill 
me,  yet  you  have  not  scrupled  to  use  a  coward's 
method  for  ridding  me  of  life  :  You  have  daily  in- 
sulted, affiicted,  and  imprisoned  me  ;  you  have  de- 
stroyed my  youth  and  my  health  ;  you  may  still  do 
more ;  but  I  tell  you,  there  is  an  invincible  some- 
thing in  this  heart  of  mine,  which  will  survive  all 
your  injuries.  Beware  of  placing  yourself  too 
much  in  my  power,  lest  when  I  have  the  means  to 
ruin  your  unsuspected  character,  the  memory  of 
these  outrages  should  supply  me  with  the  inclina- 
tion." 

The  Prince  now  stood  as  if  blinded  by  light- 
ning ;  his  senses  were  locked  up  in  amazement  at 
so  unexpected  a  threat : — Constantia  seized  the  mo- 
ment, and  flying  past  him,  got  into  her  waiting  maid's 
room,  fastened  the  door,  and  cast  herself  on  a 
couch,  completely  exhausted. 

The  very  next  morning  Nuremberg  ordered  his 
family  to  prepare  for  an  immediate  journey  :  soon 
after,  they  were  all  on  their  way  to  Venice,  where 
Constantia  had  a  superb  mansion,  over  which  the 
Prince,  as  her  guardian,  could  rule  with  as  absolute 
authority  as  in  his  own. 


iME  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.*  23T> 


CHAP.  XL 


IN  total  ignorance  of  that  painful  circumstance, 
^vhich  rendered  the  murder  of  Demetrius  almost 
certain,  Adelaide  quitted  Vienna,  warm  with  the 
hopes  which  Constantiavhad  awakened. 

Yielding  to  a  sweet  superstition,  she  believed 
that  her  friend's  expectations  had  something  of  pro- 
phecy in  them  ;  and  frequently,  when  the  thought 
of  his  brother's  irreparable  loss,  blanched  the  cheek 
of  Leopolstat,  she  urged  her  own  fond  fancy  with 
all  the  earnestness  of  conviction. 

He  heard  her  in  silence :  but  the  iron  grasp  of 
despair,  was  at  his  heart. 

In  consequence  of  that  feebleness  which  still  in- 
capacitated the  Count  from  enduring  much  exertion, 
their  journey  was  the  work  of  many  days.  It  was 
evening  when  they  reached  Leopolstat. 

The  sun  was  just  setting  behind  the  castle,  in 
the  same  splendour  with  which  Charles  had  seen  it. 
when  he  last  visited  his  home  ;  the  convent  bell  was 
toiling  for  vespers  ;  the  marble  quarry  shone  with 

x  2 


234       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

reflected  light.  As  he  beheld  it,  the  beautiful  vision 
of  the  past,  the  picturesque  objects  he  had  remarked 
there,  the  blooming  youth  of  Demetrius,  made,  for 
an  instant,  a  frightful  impression  of  reality :  he  lean- 
ed forwards  from  the  window,  suddenly  recollected 
himself,  and  throwing  his  head  back  in  the  carriage, 
gave  way  to  tears. 

How  do  the  gay  bubbles  of  hope  and  expectation, 
burst  under  the  noiseless  foot  of  time ! — Charles  had 
always  promised  his  soul,  a  kind  of  holyday  of  de- 
light, whenever  peace  should  enable  him  to  take  pos- 
session of  this  inheritance,  endeared  to  him  as  the 
place  of  his  birth,  and  the  gift  of  Adelaide  ;  he  now 
came  to  it,  without  one  emotion  of  pleasure. 

That  sentiment  of  desolation,  which  the  heart, 
bereaved  of  a  dear  object,  spreads  over  all  creation, 
seemed  in  his  imagination  to  have  fixed  its  eternal 
throne  at  Leopolstat.  It  "  breathed  a  browner  hor- 
ror o'er  the  woods ;"  it  chilled  him  in  the  thunder- 
ing torrent,  and  the  sweeping  storm  ;  it  pervaded 
every  sound,  and  every  view  j  and  rendered  the  ex- 
pected birth  of  his  child,  only  an  important  event, 
rhat  would  forever  calendar  the  date  of  his  direst 
calamity. 

But  he  refused  indulgence  to  a  sentiment,  which, 
if  suffered  to  increase,  palsies  the  firmest  souls,  and 
takes  from  them,  both  the  power  and  the  will,  to  ful- 
fil their  appointed  duties.  He  sought  society :  he 
iir^ted  all  the  tenderness  of  his  nature,  towards  hi? 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        235 

wife  ;  he  strove  to  surround  her  with  that  tempered 
cheerfulness,  so  agreeable  to  elegant  minds  ;  and 
often  in  the  fond  attempt  at  making  her  happy,  nearly- 
rendered  himself  so. 

In  the  company  of  Madame  Forshiem,  and  the 
occasional  visits  of  the  prior  from  St.  Xavier's,  two 
months  passed  away :  at  the  expiration  of  that  time, 
he  became  a  father.  What  a  multitude  of  strange, 
delightful  emotions,  pervaded  him,  when  he  took  his 
child, for  the  first  time, into  his  arms! — They  effaced 
every  former  impression  ;  they  spread  bliss  through- 
out his  soul ;  as  if  he  were  suddenly  endued  with 
a  new  and  more  exquisite  sense,  than  any  hitherto 
known  :  or  as  if  he  waked  in  heaven,  and  found  him- 
self etherialized  amidst  beatitude. 

He  stood  long  wrapt  in  this  trance,  without  mov- 
ing his  eyes  from  the  infant's  face,  and  scarcely 
breathing  :  at  last,  some  other  person's  action,  dis- 
turbed the  babe  ;  it  waked,  and  it  cried.  The  dream 
now  ended :  the  father's  mind  was  instantly  crowded 
with  images  of  care  and  sorrow ;  and  the  idea  of  De- 
metrius, like  a  piercing  pain  momentarily  lulled,  re- 
turned with  apparently  tenfold  strength. 

It  was  different  with  Adelaide.  The  birth  of 
their  child,  was  to  her  a  circumstance  that  still  fur- 
ther abstracted  her  from  other  considerations  :  it  had 
long  been  dearly  familiar  to  all  her  thoughts  ;  it  was 
ever  blended  with  some  solicitude  about  herself,  and 
far  more  about  her  husband.    His  disappointment  if 


236  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

the  babe  should.be  born  dead,  and  his  grief  if  she 
should  perish,  occupied  her  incessantly.  She  could 
never  forget  that  an  hour  of  trial  and  anxiety  await- 
ed her  ;  and  therefore  dwelling  so  much  on  one  ob- 
ject, weakened  her  perception  of  another. 

When  first  she  prest  the  infant  to  her  bosom,  the 
emotion  she  felt,  was  not  like  Charles's,  new  and  be- 
wildering ;  it  was  but  the  same  bliss,  perfected  and 
secured,  which  had  often  Jbefore,  thrilled  transient- 
ly, through  her  frame. — She  saw  in  it,  an  innocent 
creature,  to  love  and  to  protect ;  one  that  was  hence- 
forth to  be  entirely  dependent  upon  her  tenderness ; 
and  full  of  a  conviction,  at  once  so  sacred  and  so 
sweet,  she  surrendered  herself  to  happiness  :  half- 
believing,  that  since  so  much  was  already  given, 
Providence  would  not  deny  the  rest* 

The  birth  of  this  babe,  therefore,  was  to  her,  a 
good  omen  ;  but  to  Charles  a  sad  memorial. 

It  was  now,  December,  and  the  dying  year  had 
been  as  fatal  to  the  hopes  of  Germany,  as  to  the  do- 
mestic peace  of  Count  Leopolstat. 

Fluctuating  and  weak,  the  councils  of  the  Aus- 
trian cabinet,  while  they  changed  their  measures, 
only  varied  their  methods  of  being  contemptible  : 
given  up  to  petty  jealousies,  party  cabals,  and  fe- 
male influence,  they  had  planned  without  judgment, 
and  acted  without  concert.  In  giving  the  command 
of  the  armies  to  the  Archduke  Charles,  they  had 
•rver  contrived  to  neutralize  the  wisdom  of  such  a 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        237 

choice,  by  referring  his  operations  to  the  Aulic  coun- 
cil ;  which  deciding  at  a  distance,  upon  plans  that 
he  formed  where  they  were  to  be  executed,  and  of 
which  promptness  was  the  very  life*  seldom  judged 
rightly,  or  decided  with  sufficient  dispatch. 

The  grand  army,  during  this  campaign,  had  been 
committed  to  another  General,  as  brave,  but  not  so 
penetrating ;  one,  who  was  equally  fettered  by  use- 
less restrictions,  and  who  consequently  could  not  be 
expected  to  emulate  his  predecessor's  glory. 

After  the  conclusion  of  a  second  armistice,  Prince 
Charles  was  solicited  to  accept  again  the  important 
post  of  Commander  in  Chief.  He  stipulated  for  full 
powers  ;  and  they  could  no  longer  be  withheld. 

Austria  had  sought  her  protector  too  late.  On 
repairing  to  head-quarters,  the  Archduke  found  an 
ill-provided  army,  dispirited,  and  broken  to  pieces : 
he  had  not  time  to  seek  those  resources  which  his 
inventive  genius  instantly  suggested,  for  the  enemy 
swept  forwards  like  a  resistless  sea,  and  to  wait  their 
approach  was  to  court  inevitable  destruction. 

Their  tide  of  success  still  rolled  terribly  on:  he 
was  driven  back  towards  Vienna  ;  from  which  the 
affrighted  inhabitants  fled  with  the  precipitation  of 
despair. 

The  Prince  now  saw,  that  peace  only  could  save 
his  country :  stifling,  therefore,  all  those  selfish  sen- 
sibilities to  popular  or  particular  opinion  (which  often 
stimulate  men  to  the  prosecution  of  an  object  that 


238        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

they  know  will  fail  them  at  last)  ;  he  abandoned  a 
vain  attempt ;  signing  a  truce  at  Steyer,  which  was 
but  the  prelude  to  a  final  termination  of  the  war  in 
the  ensuing  year. 

As  the  news  of  every  defeat  reached  the  retire- 
ment of  Count  Leopolstat,  he  reflected  with  more 
embittered  regret,  on  his  inability  to  share  in  those 
exertions  and  disasters,  which,  made  and  suffered 
with  an  unsubdued  heart,  in  a  good  cause,  are  so 
many  crowns  of  glory  to  a  patriot  soldier.  He  con- 
templated the  growing  power  of  France  with  dread- 
ful forebodings  :  and  when  a  pacification  was  finally 
concluded,  while  others  gave  themselves  up  to  care- 
less joy,  he  saw  in  this  delusive  peace  only  that  hor- 
rid calm  which  precedes  an  earthquake  :  he  saw  that 
France  would  gather  accumulated  force  from  this 
temporary  restraint,  and  would  at  length  burst  over 
the  whole  Continent,  in  one  wide  war  of  extermi- 
nation. 

'  It  was  perhaps  fortunate  for  Count  Leopolstat, 
that  public  affairs  so  often  wrested  his  thoughts  from 
their  usual  subject  :  for  the  days,  the  weeks,  the 
months  passed,  and  nothing  transpired  about  De- 
metrius. 

Pierre  seemed  to  have  vanished  ; — Colonel 
Wurtzburgh  was  quietly  going  through  the  routine 
of  his  duty  in  garrison  ;  and  the  Prince  of  Nurem- 
berg remained  shut  up  with  his  family  in  Venice. 
All  those  glimmering  lights,  which  in  newspapers 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.  239 

and  mistaken  intelligence,  had  successively  started 
up  and  disappeared,  served  only  to  deepen  the  gloom 
which  enveloped  the  mystery. 

Charles  began  to  relinquish  even  the  dreary  hope 
of  discovering  the  destroyer  of  his  brother:  but  with 
the  hope,  he  would  not  abandon  the  attempt.  No 
sooner  was  the  safety  of  Vienna  ascertained,  by  the 
peace  of  Luneville,  than  he  quitted  Hungary,  tak- 
ing with  him  his  wife  and  child,  and  the  amiable 
Madame  Forshiem.  It  was  his  intention  to  leave 
them  under  the  care  of  his  uncle  and  father-in-law, 
while  he  seized  the  opportunity  of  passing  into 
France,  and  trying  to  find  out  the  abode  of  Pierre. 
For  that  he  had  returned  to  his  native  country,  he 
now  no  longer  doubted  ;  and  that  he  was  the  crimi- 
nal, he  had  never  scrupled  to  believe. 

The  advice  of  Count  Forshiem  awhile  delayed 
this  plan.  Forshiem  had  lately  heard  from  the  agent 
on  his  estate  in  Goritia,  of  a  stranger,  (a  French- 
man too,)  who  had  engaged  one  of  his  houses ;  and 
who,  though  vulgar  in  his  mien  and  manners,  lived 
in  great  wealth  :  the  unwillingness  with  which  this 
man  spoke  of  himself,  or  his  affairs,  together  with 
some  mistake  which  had  arisen  from  persons  in- 
quiring after  him  by  different  names,  made  For- 
shiem suspect  that  their  search  was  now  ready  to 
end.  He  communicated  the  matter  to  Leopolstat ; 
and  as  he  was  then  going  to  this  estate  with  his  wife. 


240        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

he  offered  either  to  prosecute  the  inquiry  alone,  or 
to  make  him  his  companion. 

Charles  determined  upon  the  latter;  and  they 
set  out  immediately. 

After  a  few  days  journey,  the  travellers  did  not 
reach  Count  Forshiem's  house,  till  midnight:  at 
such  an  hour  no  excuse  could  be  formed  for  invad- 
ing the  privacy  of  a  stranger,  and  therefore  the 
friends  were  obliged  to  make  a  merit  of  necessity, 
and  defer  their  visit  till  the  morning. 

Anxiety  amounting  to  torture ;  feelings  which 
had  just  enough  of  hope  in  them,  to  rack  and  to 
agonize,  (and  compared  with  which,  the  death  of 
desperate  certainty  would  have  been  blessedness,) 
kept  the  eyes  of  Charles  from  closing  during  the 
night.  He  left  his  restless  bed  at  the  dawn  of  day, 
and  impatiently  waited  for  the  appearance  of  For- 
shiem,  who  seemed  to  sleep  as  if  he  had  taken  an 
opiate. 

In  consequence  of  the  war  in  Italy,  Soldini  had 
accepted  for  himself  and  niece,  the  asylum  offered 
by  Count  Forshiem  :  they  had  long  been  establish- 
ed in  Goritia,  and  were  now  introduced  to  the  bro- 
ther of  their  lost  favourite,  Demetrius.  Lorenza 
made  breakfast  with  trembling  hands ;  for  she  par- 
took warmly  in  the  general  anxiety,  and  inwardly 
breathed  a  prayer  for  their  success,  as  they  took  the 
path  towards  the  stranger's. 

When  they  reached  the  house  door,  Charles  (aK 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        241 

though  wrapt  in  a  large  cloak)  drew  back  that  he 
might  not  be  known  :  Forshiem  advanced.  What 
was  their  mortification,  to  find  the  man  they  sought, 
was  already  out !  On  questioning  the  servant,  they 
learnt  that  he  was  gone  with  some  guests,  to  see 
the  mines  at  Idria.  They  resolved  to  folio w  him  : 
the  place  to  which  the  servant  directed  them  was 
not  half  a  league  off;  and  the  answers  he  gave  to 
some  questions  of  Leopolstat's,  stimulating  them 
with  fresh  hope,  they  proceeded  forwards. 

At  the  mouth  of  the  principal  shaft,  they  were 
told  that  Monsieur  Bernadotte  (such  was  the  stran- 
ger's name ;)  had  descended  into  the  mine  with  two 
other  foreigners.  Eager  in  the  pursuit,  and  fear- 
ful of  losing  his  prey,  Charles  proposed  going  down 
after  him  :   Forshiem  consented. 

At  any  other  period  than  this,  in  which  the 
thoughts  of  both,  were  too  much  occupied  to  re- 
gard outward  circumstances,  neither  Forshiem  nor 
Charles,  would  have  seated  themselves  without 
shuddering,  in  the  dismal  machine,  which  precipi- 
tated them,  above  a  hundred  fathoms  below  the  sur- 
face of  a  steep  mountain. 

They  descended  in  complete  silence,  and  total 
darkness:  no  sound  broke  the  hideous  stillness,  but 
the  whirring  noise  of  the  ropes  and  puliies  by  which 
they  were  let  down ;  and  when  they  alighted,  only 
a  pale  lamp,  glimmering  here  and  there  among  ca- 
verns as   black  as   Erel.as,   served  to   mark   with 

VOL.    II.  Y 


242        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

greater  precision,  the  horror  and  vastness  of  the 
place. 

At  first,  nothing  was  discernible  by  Charles,  ex- 
cept a  wide  expanse  of  blackness,  on  which,  these 
lamps  were  mere  specks  of  light :  by  degrees  the 
darkness  seemed  to  diminish  ;  and  he  discovered 
on  all  sides,  ghastly  figures  flitting  through  it,  like 
condemned  souls.  A  continued  sound  as  of  the 
pealing  of  distant  thunder,  was  heard  to  roll  among 
the  caverns :  it  was  the  echo  of  their  footsteps. 

"  Ought  we  not  to  find  that  fiend,  in  such  a  hell 
as  this?"  whispered  Forshiem;  his  companion  shud- 
dered, and  sighed  profoundly. 

A  man  now  approached,  and  hearing  their  er- 
rand, offered  to  conduct  them  to  that  part  of  the 
mine,  where  Monsieur  Bernadotte  was  resting : 
they  followed  him.  On  advancing  to  a  groupe  of 
persons  who  were  curiously  watching  the  labours 
of  the  wretched  miners,  Charles  felt  his  heart  beat 
with  uncontrolable  agitation ;  his  limbs  failed  under 
him  for  a  moment,  and  he  grasped  Forshiem's  arm 
for  support:  but  quickly  recovering,  he  sprang  for- 
wards. 

At  the  sound  of  his  own  name,  Bernadotte  turn- 
ed hastily  round :  he  lifted  up  his  head,  and  shew- 
ed Charles  the  face  of  a  stranger. 

Had  the  restoration  of  his  brother's  life  depend- 
ed upon  identifying  Pierre,  in  this  Frenchman,  the 
disappointment  could  hardly  have  been  more  acute. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        243 

u  It  is  not  the  man  ! "  he  exclaimed,  while  leaving 
Forshiem  to  apologize,  he  hurried  into  another  di- 
vision of  the  mine. 

The  dismal  emotions  excited  by  the  sight  ol 
multitudes,  doomed  to  drink  in  the  poisonous  va- 
pour, which  they  know  contain*  their  death  ;  now 
heightened  the  wild  disappointment  of  Leopolstat : 
as  these  unhappy  wretches  lingered  along  the  vault- 
ed cells,  he  felt  something  like  madness  seize  upon 
his  brain ;  and  he  caught  the  arm  of  Forshiem  with 
alarmness  wildness. 

u  Let  us  quit  this  horrid  place  ! "  he  cried,  "  I 
am  no  longer  myself! " 

Without  a  conductor,  they  entered  the  first  open- 
ing  that  offered;  it  led  them  along  a  narrow  passage, 
just  wide  enough  to  admit  one  at  a  time.  Forshiem 
went  first : 

"  I  think  we  are  right,"  he  observed,  "  come 
on." 

Charles  followed  the  passage,  till  it  suddenly 
spread  out  into  a  lofty  cavern,  where,  by  the  lurid 
glare  of  one  lamp,  he  descried  a  solitary  figure,  lean- 
ing faintly  against  his  mattock  and  the  rock.  The 
man  did  not  alter  his  position  when  they  entered ; 
but  his  breathing,  quick  and  labouring,  announced 
the  struggles  of  approaching  death. 

"  Why  have  you  brought  me  here,  Forshiem?" 
exclaimed  Charles,  turning  hastily  away. 

While  he  spoke,  the  wretched  creature  he  was 


244-  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

viewing,  started  up ;  and  as  if  suddenly  endued  with 
supernatural  strength,  rushed  forwards,  uttering  a 
loud  and  fearful  cry. 

At  that  sound,  the  blood  froze  in  the  veins  of 
Charles:  darkness  spread  before  him;  all  his  senses 
were  locked  up  in  horror:  he  saw  not  the  wild  gleam 
of  distracted  joy,  lighting  the  features  of  despair ; 
he  heard  not  the  well-known  voice,  which  now  con- 
vulsively repeated — "  O  bliss,  past  hope  !  I  die  in 
these  arms,  at  last !" — 

When  Forshiem  beheld  the  emaciated  figure, 
sink  towards  the  ground,  he  believed  that  the  un- 
happy youth  had  indeed  found  his  death-bed  on 
the  bosom  so  beloved.  He  tried  to  catch  him  as 
he  fell ;  but  Charles,  roused  by  the  action,  suddenly 
clasped  the  body  of  his  brother,  exclaiming,  "  Hold 
off!  never  shall  he  leave  these  arms  again  !" 

Leopolstat  knew  not  what  he  said :  yet  his 
nerves  turned  to  steel,  grasped  the  object  he  held, 
with  a  force  that  seemed  to  make  the  grasp  eternal: 
his  amazed  and  haggard  eyes,  were  rivetted  upon 
the  breathless  Demetrius  :  his  own  breath  came 
quick  and  short :  at  length  large  drops  of  moisture 
burst  out  from  every  pore  of  his  body,  and  then  ra- 
pidly melting  into  softness,  he  exclaimed,  u  Thou 
that  wast  the  pride  of  my  heart,  the  delight  of  my 
eyes,  is  it  thus  that  I  find  thee ! "  Tears  gushed 
forth  with  the  words  -,  and  then  he  wept  long  and^ 
violently-* 


THE    HUNGARIAN    BROTHERS.  245 

For  many  years  after  this  moment,  did  the  me- 
mory of  his  brother's  dreadful  cry,  distemper  the 
soul  of  Charles  :  in  the  midst  of  camps,  or'brilliant 
assemblies  ;  even  by  the  hearth  of  domestic  peace, 
it  would  suddenly  wither  his  heart,  and  blanch  his 
cheek.  Often  since,  has  he  started  from  sweet 
sleep,  fancying  the  thrilling  sound  repeated,  and 
dispersing  the  slumbers  of  Adelaide,  by  his  own 
terrifying  exclamation. 

As  Demetrius  slowly  recovered,  his  brother 
eagerly  besought  Forshiem  to  bring  the  governor  of 
the  mine  to  the  spot.  "  We  must  bear  him  from 
this  killing  place  ;"  he  cried,  "  these  noxious  va- 
pours  O  Heaven,  by  what  miracle  is  he  pre- 
served to  me  !" — Demetrius  opened  his  eyes,  and  a 
languid  smile,  but  full  of  happiness,  illumined  his 
features.  Again  Charles  clasped  him  to  his  heart ; 
fend  again  melted  into  tenderness. 

The  governor  of  the  mine  now  entered  with 
Count  Forshiem  :  he  expressed  the  utmost  regret 
at  his  inability  to  give  Demetrius  even  one  day's 
liberty;  but  offered  every  comfort  and  assistance 
within  his  power. 

Leopolstat  promised  to  be  answerable  for  hk 
brother's  re-appearance,  with  his  own  life  ;  assured 
him,  that  whatever  might  be  his  imputed  crime,  he 
was  certain  of  his  innocence  ;  and  that  from  his 
influence  at  Court,  he  reckoned  confidently  upon  an 
#rcltr  for  his  immediate  release. 


246        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

The  governor  remained  firm  ;  and  his  second 
denial,  informed  his  astonished  hearers,  that  the 
young  Count  was  condemned  on  the  plea  of  hold- 
ing a  traitorous  correspondence  with  the  enemy. 

This  charge,  so  preposterous,  and  apparently  ao 
false,  re-animated  the  efforts  of  Leopolstat :  he  de- 
nounced it  in  terms  of  vehement  indignation  ; 
which,  with  his  known  character  of  loyalty  and  pa- 
triotism, soitened  the  severity  of  the  governor's 
judgment :  but  he  still  adhered  strictly  to  his  duty  ; 
tempering  it,  however,  by  granting  Demetrius  a 
cessation  from  toil,  and  allowing  his  brother  to  re- 
main with  him  alone. 

While  this  arrangement  was  making,  Forshiem 
hastened  to  quit  the  mine,  in  order  to  obtain  all 
that  was  necessary  for  the  renovation  and  tempo- 
rary comfort  of  Demetrius.  Zealous  in  every 
thing  good,  he  rapidly  drew  together  a  multitude 
of  comforts,  which  he  dispatched  by  Soldini,  with 
a  note  to  Charles,  purporting,  that  he  was  then  set- 
ting off  for  Vienna,  to  throw  himself  in  his  name, 
at  the  feet  of  the  Archduke,  from  whose  interfer- 
ence he  expected  to  obtain  an  order  for  the  removal, 
if  not  the  complete  enlargement  of  his  friend. 

"  I  know  you  will  not  leave  him;"  he  wrote, 
"  and  I  must:  no  time  should  be  lost,  in  applying 
for  his  release.  The  very  secrecy  with  which  this 
affair  has  been  conducted,  proves  its  iniquity. — Be 
assured,  I  will  not  cease  my  importunities  to  the^ 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.         247 

Prince,  to  the  ministers,  to  the  Emperor  himself, 
till  I  have  wrung  from  them,  a  promise  of  thorough 
investigation." 

This  billet,  found  Charles  seated  in  an  excava- 
tion of  the  mine  ;  holding  one  hand  of  his-  brother's 
in  his,  as  he  lay  stretched  along  the  bed  which  he 
had  formed  for  him  out  of  his  pelisse. 

Brought  to  the  verge  of  the  grave,  by  those 
pestilental  vapours,  which  continually  exhale  from 
quicksilver,  and  wearied  "with  hope  deferred,"  De- 
metrius was  nearly  deprived  of  life,  by  the  sudden- 
ness and  excess  of  his  present  felicity.  He  had  not 
been  able  to  answer  one  of  the  questions,  which  the 
impatient  affection  of  Charles  frequently  prompted  j 
but  he  had  gathered  strength  enough  to  ask  whe- 
ther Constantia  survived  his  loss.  The  assurance 
of  her  renovated  spirit,  and  the  delight  with  which 
Charles  spoke  of  Adelaide  and  his  child,  were  so 
many  cordials  to  the  other's  sick  heart. 

In  his  youth,  Soldini  had  studied  the  art  of  me- 
dicine, with  a  benevolent  intention  of  uniting  it, 
with  his  duties  as  a  spiritual  physician :  He  was 
therefore  competent  to  judge  of  young  Leopolstat's 
case  ;  and  he  now  prescribed  for  him,  with  equal 
tenderness  and  skill. 

It  was  in  vain  that  he  besought  Charles  to  trans- 
fer his  charge  :  nothing  could  prevail  on  that  fond 
brother,  to  lose  sight  of  Demetrius  for  a  moment. 
He  consented  to  take  every  precaution  for  himself, 


248        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

against  the  mercurial  fumes  of  the  mine,  but  reso1 
lutely  refused  to  quit  it. 

As  Demetrius  had  suffered  far  more  from  the 
complete  extinction  of  hope,  than  even  from  the  un- 
wholesome air  of  this  subterraneous  prison,  he  was 
renovated  in  proportion  to  the  glow  of  his  happi- 
ness. His  little  play-fellow,  Simmonetta,  braved 
the  terrors  of  a  descent,  and  often  visited'him  :  her 
pretty  endearments  beguiled  his  thoughts  from  sub- 
jects of  keener  agitation,  yet  communicated,  to 
them  all  a  secret  assurance,  that  love  and  affection 
still  existed  for  his  recompense. 

He  lay  almost  in  a  trance  of  weakness,  for  seve- 
ral days  ;  but  it  was  a  trance  of  delicious  feelings, 
which  spread  its  healing  balm  throughout  his  frame. 
When  Charles  ventured  to  disturb  him  with  ques- 
tions, he  learnt  by  degrees  all  that  Demetrius  knew 
of  his  own  situation. 

It  amounted  to  no  more  than  that,  on  the  night 
he  had  quitted  home,  with  an  intention  of  seeing 
Princess  Constantia,  he  had  been  suddenly  arrest- 
ed in  the  Emperor's  name  and  borne  off  to  the 
state-prison :— That  he  was  there  examined  on  the 
charge  of  corresponding  with  the  enemy  ; — shewn 
a  casket  which  he  Had  received  from  Constantia, 
and  which  was  found  to  contain  several  letters 
from  a  French  officer,  of  whose  name  he  was  pro- 
foundly ignorant.  That  a  forged  letter  was  then 
produced,  and  sworn  to,  by  Pierre,  as  one  which 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        2^9 

his  master  had  entrusted  to  him,  for  the  purpose  of 
forwarding,  and  which  containing  several  state  se- 
crets, was  admitted  to  be  a  full  proof  of  his  guilt : 
That,  as  he  refused  saying  who  gave  him  the  casket 
in  which  these  treasonable  papers  were  found  ;  and 
as  he  was  taken  in  a  disguise  which  must  have  been 
assumed  for  some  unlawful  purpose,  he  was  sum- 
marily condemned  as  a  traitor,  and  sentenced  for 
life,  to  the  mines. 

"  It  is  now,  nearly  six  months  ;"  he  added, 
u  since  I  entered  this  living  grave.  O  Charles,  if 
you  could  guess  what  I  have  suffered ! — every  mo- 
ment of  that  tedious  time,  has  been  marked  to  me 
by  some  hope,  some  expectation,  or  some  bitter 
disappointment.  How  could  I  imagine  that  my 
fate  should  have  been  thus  concealed  from  you  ?— — 
I  rested  at  first  securely  on  a  speedy  release  ; — I 
believed,  that  every  instant  was  then  seized  by  my 
friends  to  disprove  my  accusers,  and  restore  my 
liberty  :  but  this  security  changed  to  anxiety,  to 
doubt,  to  fear,  to  despondence,  at  last  to  despair  ! 
There  were  moments,  I  confess — infirm,  unworthy 
moments — when  I  fancied  myself  forgotten  f— yet 
I  loved  you  all,  still :  and  my  last  sigh  should  have 
mingled  your  name  and  Constantia's  together." 

A  blush  crossed  the  face  of  Charles,  but  it  was 
not  for  himself  he  blushed.  Demetrius  who  had 
saved  his  life  at  Moskirk,  who  had  been  the  object 
of  his  solicitous  tenderness,  for  so  many  years,  ought 


250        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

to  have  founded  his  reliance  On  him,  as  upon  a 
rock.  A  momentary  pang  wrung  his  heart  ;  but 
he  looked  at  his  brother's  enfeebled  form,  and  found 
in  it  an  immediate  excuse  for  this  distrust. 

44  You  were  not  yourself,  Demetrius,"  he  re- 
plied, kindly,  "  when  you  doubted  any  of  us.  Sick- 
ness, and  these  surrounding  glooms,  had  distem- 
pered your  healthful  convictions." 

Demetrius  answered  with  ardent  sensibility, 
and  a  mutual  embrace  sealed  the  oblivion  of  his 
fault. 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        251 


CHAP    XII. 


TO  elucidate  that  mystery,  with  which  Deme- 
trius himself,  was  but  imperfectly  acquainted,  it  will 
be  necessary  to  go  back  to  the  period  in  which  he 
and  Colonel  Wurtzburgh  parted  at  Ulm. 

Never  had  this  cold-blooded  villain  lost  sight  of 
his  grand  aim,  the  destruction  of  Count  Leopolstat's 
peace.  But  more  and  more  convinced  that  Charles 
was  guarded  round,  by  too  potent  a  circle  of  discre- 
tion, self-command,  and  approved  integrity,  to  be 
vulnerable  in  his  own  person,  he  watched  the  erra- 
tic course  of  Demetrius,  with  the  hope  of  seizing 
upon  him,  in  some  fortunate  maze  of  imprudent 
passion. 

As  he  advanced  on  his  tract  of  deceit,  new 
views  opened  before  him,  and  new  plans  suggested 
themselves. 

At  first,  he  directed  his  efforts  to  inflame  the 
Prince  of  Nuremberg's  animosity  ;  to  stimulate  the 
love  of  Demetrius ;  and  to  render  the  life  of  Princess 
Constantia  so  miserable,  as  might  force  her  into 


252        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

precipitate  flight :  in  that  case  whether  Demetrite 
escaped  with  her  to  another  country,  or  was  seized 
in  Austria,  his  end  would  be  accomplished.  Charles 
would  be  bereaved  of  a  brother,  who  must  either 
preserve  his  safety  by  perpetual  exile,  or  suffer  the 
punishment  of  his  audacity,  in  endless  imprison- 
ment. 

Wurtzburgh's  secret  correspondence  with  the 
Prince,  enabled  him  to  push  his  scheme  with  admi- 
rable effect.  He  beguiled  many  circumstances  from 
Demetrius,  which  he  communicated  to  Nuremberg; 
and  at  the  same  time  so  adroitly  mixed  the  basest 
falsehoods  with  this  small  portion  of  truth,  that  the 
Prince  learnt  to  consider  the  young  Leopclstat,  as 
a  deadly  enemy,  who  waited  but  for  the  moment 
of  power,  to  rise  and  crush  him. 

This  apprehension  of  future  vengeance,  joined 
to  Nuremberg's  preposterous  notion  of  their  vast 
inequality,  to  his  rancour  at  the  remembrance  of 
their  duel,  and  the  rich  inheritance  which  he  had 
taken  from  him,  altogether  worked  on  the  Prince's 
heart,  like  come  corrosive  poison  :  he  became  every 
day  less  just,  and  more  ferocious  ;  and  no  longer 
examining  the  details  of  Wurtzburgh,  drank  them 
in,  with  greedy  wilfulness.  The  hatred  which  he 
could  not  vent  in  torture  upon  Demetrius,  he  poured 
without  mercy  over  Constantia ;  little  imagining 
that  he  was  the  dupe  of  a  deeper  villain  than  him- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        253 

self,  who  was  thus  prompting  him  to  the  conduct, 
that  probably  led  to  the  very  event  he  deprecated. 

The  liking  which  young  Leopolstat  took  to 
Pierre,  the  Colonel's  servant,  opened  a  new  train 
for  his  Satanic  master.  This  fellow  had  long  been 
his  confidant  on  other  matters,  and  he  had  therefore 
ho  hesitation  in  confiding  in  him. 

Whenever  Pierre  should  be  taken  into  the  vici- 
nity of  Princess  Constantia,  he  was  to  make  himself 
needful  to  his  future  master ;  was  to  force  out  his 
secret,  and  become,  if  possible,  the  adviser  and  agent 
of  the  lovers'  flight.  By  this  means  Wurtzburgh 
knew  he  should  always  have  a  key  to  their  retreat ; 
and  might  apprize  Nuremberg,  when  the  crime  of 
Demetrius  was  sealed  by  his  union  with  the  Princess. 

Constantia's  determination  against  elopement 
was  the  first  obstacle  to  these  expectations;  but  her 
subsequent  appeal  to  the  Canoness,  became  a  fatal 
engine,  in  the  hands  of  Wurtzburgh, 

Pierre  went  not  to  Bohemia,  but  turned  his 
horse  towards  an  obscure  country-house,  where  the 
Prince  of  Nuremberg  and  his  former  master  were 
to  meet*  The  Colonel  was  not  long  in  determin- 
ing upon  a  new  scheme  :  he  tempted  Pierre  with  an 
enormous  bribe  ;  and  Pierre  could  not  resist. 

With  Constantia's  catalogue  of  Nuremberg's 
cruelties,  in  his  hand,  he  returned  to  the  Prince. 
He  shewed  him  what  he  had  to  expect;  and  thej> 

VOL.  II.  z 


254        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

professed  to  have  received  a  hint  from  Pierre,  which 
might  be  improved  to  the  ruin  of  Demetrius. 

The  Prince  alternately  blazing  with  resentment, 
and  trembling  with  fear,  was  in  no  mood  to  scruti- 
nize very  severely  :  Wurtzburgh  told  him  a  fabri- 
cated tale  of  young  Leopolstat's  disloyalty ;  he  be- 
lieved it,  because  he  wished  it  true  :  Pierre  was 
then  introduced :  he  affirmed  that  his  master  had 
frequently,  during  the  campaign,  sent  intelligence 
to  the  enemy,  and  received  great  rewards  for  it;- 
and  that  he  meant  to  fly  into  France  with  the 
Princess,  should  she  consent  to  be  his  companion. 

The  proofs  of  this  correspondence,  he  asserted, 
were  lodged  in  a  small  casket  of  which  his  master 
took  the  utmost  care :  and  he  then  offered  to  acquaint 
the  Prince  with  the  period  in  which  Demetrius 
might  be  seized  with  least  noise. 

The  Prince  accepted  this  offer ;  gave  him  his 
purse  as  an  earnest  of  further  recompense ;  and  after 
fabricating  an  answer  to  Constantia's  letter,  dis- 
missed him,  and  began  again  to  canvass  the  subject 
with  Wurtzburgh. 

The  Colonel  was  aware,  that  his  success  de- 
pended on  secrecy.  He  foresaw  that  if  the  accusa- 
tion of  Demetrius  were  made  public,  his  brave  un- 
sullied brother,  would  investigate  every  atom  of  it: 
he  therefore  urged  the  Prince  to  use  his  influence 
for  a  private  examination ;  to  exert  himself  in  bias- 
sing  the  minds  of  the  council  j  and  above  ail  things 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        255 

to  demand  complete  silence ;  or  else  the  influence 
of  Count  Leopolstat  would  defeat  his  own.  Deme- 
trius though  condemned,  might  be  pardoned. 

This  subtle  advice  was  taken :  Nuremberg  after 
re-visiting  his  home,  purposely  absented  himself 
again :  Pierre  succeeded  in  getting  his  master  to 
assume  a  disguise,  for  which  he  knew  he  would 
not  assign  any  reason  to  the  council :  and  Deme- 
trius thus  surrounded  by  many  toils,  was  taken  in 
them  all. 

The  casket  he  had  received  from  Constantia, 
and  out  of  which  he  had  removed  the  letters  for  the 
Canoness  :  the  casket  he  prized  and  cherished,  was 
brought  from  his  lodgings  by  Pierre,  and  two  per- 
sons in  office,  and  found  to  contain  a  private  drawer, 
filled  with  mysterious  notes,  evidently  answers  to 
such  as  had  conveyed  treasonable  intelligence. 

Unawed  by  his  master's  steady  eye,  and  fearless 
questions,  Pierre  persisted  in  a  strain  of  falsehoods, 
the  enormity  of  which,  could  only  be  equalled  by 
the  ingenuity  with  which  they  were  separately  fitted. 
His  confession  was  accepted  as  an  atonement,  for 
the  share  he  acknowledged  having  taken  in  this  act 
of  treachery ;  and  he  was  therefore  permitted  to  re~ 
turn  into  France  without  delay. 

As  the  members  of  this  council  were  most  of 
them  creatures  of  Nuremberg's,  or  foes  to  Baron 
Ingersdorf,  with  whom  any  connection  was  suffi- 
cient to  render  them  severe  judges  of  a  criminal, 


25&  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

Demetrius  was  found  guilty.  The  Emperors  seal 
was  then  put  to  the  order  for  his  close  confinement 
in  the  mines  at  Idria. 

Very  plausible  arguments,  were  afterwards  urg- 
ed by  Nuremberg,  to  persuade  every  person  pre- 
sent, of  the  necessity  of  secrecy.  He  spoke  in  high 
commendation  of  the  elder  Count  Leopolstat,  re- 
presenting the  injurious  suspicion  which  might  fall 
upon  him,  were  the  treason  of  so  beloved  a  brother, 
to  become  the  public  talk  :  distrusted  by  the  soldiery, 
his  talents  would  then  be  rendered  useless ;  and  the 
great  expectations  now  resting  on  his  future  services, 
would  be  for  ever  destroyed.  He  then  urged  the 
delicacy  of  his  niece's  situation,  whose  attachment 
to  Demetrius,  having  been  known  generally,  would 
subject  her  also,  to  the  most  mortifying  animad- 
versions. 

These  arguments  prevailed :  secrecy  wes  pro- 
mised; secrecy  was  enjoined  to  all  the  inferior 
agents ;  and  in  a  few  weeks,  the  whole  business  was 
almost  forgotten. 

Nuremberg  departed  for  Venice,  avoiding  any 
scrutiny  of  the  past ;  for  there  was  a  monitor,  with- 
in, that  daily  charged  him  with  scarce  crediting 
the  evidence  on  which  Demetrius  had  been  con- 
demned. 

Wurtzburgh  returned  to  his  regiment  with  the  . 
greatest  privacy;  from  whence  he  occasionally  trans- 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        257 

mitted  to  Pierre,  presents  and  money,  both  from 
himself  and  the  Prince. 

Wurtzburgh  had  achieved  his  work;  was  he 
happy?  no! — Remorse,  indeed,  never  knocked  at 
his  rocky  heart,  but  the  fury,  Terror,  reigned  there, 
without  control.  As  he  daily  read  the  advertise- 
ments of  reward  and  pardon,  (which  the  advice  of 
Constantia  caused  to  be  increased  and  continued:) 
he  trembled  for  the  security  of  his  crime  :  avarice 
had  made  Pierre  an  accomplice  in  it,  avarice,  there- 
fore, might  tempt  him  to  reveal  it. 

His  fiend-like  joy,  was  now  withered :  in  the 
acuteness  of  his  own  sufferings,  he  soon  lost  all  re- 
membrance of  Count  Leopolstat's  ;  till  at  length 
nothing  remained,  but  the  consciousness  of  an  atro- 
cious crime,  and  the  hideous  prospect  of  ample  re- 
tribution. 

Pierre,  meanwhile,  read  the  different  advertise- 
ments with  sullen  discontent;  he  wished  to  reap  the 
golden  harvest  they  held  out ;  yet  preserved  that 
last  spark  of  virtue,  which  makes  guilt  blush  to  avow 
itself  before  integrity.  In  his  letters  to  Wurtz- 
burgh, he  frequently  reverted  to  these  temptations, 
and  was  never  to  be  silenced  except  by  a  liberal  re- 
mittance. 

Wurtzburgh  knew  himself  to  be  completely  in 
his  power.  Not  only  was  he  obnoxious  to  disco- 
very respecting  Demetrius ;  but  he  was  liable  to  a 
heavier  charge ;  the  guilt  he  had  imputed  to  that 

z  2 


258        THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

innocent  young  man,  was  his  own.  Not  to  gratify 
cupidity,  but  to  satiate  hatred,  he  had,  during  the 
campaign,  entered  into  correspondence  with  a  French 
officer,  to  whom  he  revealed  every  military  opera- 
tion, of  which  he  gained  intelligence,  when  it  was 
either  planned  by  Count  Leopolstat,  or  intrusted  to 
his  care.  His  annoyance,  had  long  been  his  plea- 
sure ;  his  ruin,  his  felicity. 

Conscious  of  the  sword  which  thus  hung  sus- 
pended over  him  by  a  single  hair,  Wurtzburgh  ob- 
tained rest  neither  night  nor  day.  Pierre  denouncing 
him,  Leopolstat  thirsting  for  his  blood,  the  horrid 
death  of  a  traitor,  were  images  that  haunted  him 
eternally.  Under  the  influence  of  such  impressions, 
existence  was  no  longer  bearable  ;  and  he  took  the 
desperate  resolution  of  ending  all  his  fears,  with  the 
life  of  their  prime  object. 

Immediately  after  the  peace,  he  passed  into 
Franconia,  and  sent  to  Pierre,  (who  was  then  with 
the  Galio-Batavian  army  near  Bamberg ;)  to  meet 
him  in  a  sequestered  spot,  where  they  might  confer 
unmolested,  and  where  he  might  deliver  to  him  a 
valuable  jewel  from  the  Prince  of  Nuremberg. 

Stupidly  secure,  Pierre  met  him  alone ;  they  con- 
ferred some  minutes  together -j  when  Wurtzburgh 
having  insensibly  drawn  him  towards  a  dusky  thic- 
ket, hastily  drew  out  a  pistol,  and  fired  it  off  at  his 
breast.  Pierre  fell :  but  at  the  pistol's  report,  two 
Austrian  officers  broke  through  the  thickets 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.  259 

they  were  accidentally  loitering,  and  seized  Wurtz- 
burgh. 

The  voices  of  these  officers,  soon  brought  fur- 
ther aid  ;  possessed  with  the  phrensy  of  despair, 
Wurtzburgh  raved  and  struggled,  but  struggled  in 
vain ;  both  he  and  Pierre  were  removed  to  the 
Austrian  head-quarters,  where  Pierre's  deposition 
was  taken  down  in  writing  before  several  witnesses ; 
and  a  parcel  of  papers  received  from  his  pocket* 
book,  sufficiently  testifying  the  veracity  of  his  con- 
fessions. 

This  wonderful  incident  excited  the  strongest 
interest  throughout  the  Imperial  army:  to  their  gal- 
lant companions  in  war,  both  the  Hungarian  bro- 
thers, had  always  been  objects  of  love  and  admira- 
tion :  these  sentiments  now  roused  up  the  spirit  of 
vengeance  for  their  sakes  ;  and  Wurtzburgh  owed 
the  general  abhorrence,  perhaps,  less  to  public  feel- 
ing, than  to  private  regard. 

Precisely  at  the  period  in  which  Count  For- 
Ghiem  alighted  at  the  gate  of  Baron  Ingersdorf,  one 
of  the  officers  who  had  seized  the  traitor  Wurtz- 
burgh, was  within,  detailing  the  whole  transaction. 
— The  rapturous  scene  which  followed ;  the  bound- 
less gratitude  expressed  towards  that  Almighty 
Ruler,  who  had  thus  willed  the  fortunate  concur- 
rence of  two  such  miraculous  discoveries;  the  pious 
,  ejaculations  of  the  Field  Marshal ;  the  glistening 
eyes  of  the  Baron ;  and  the  weeping,  sobbing  trails- 


260       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

port  of  Adelaide,  are  not  to  be  learned  from  de- 
scription :  every  tender  heart,  can  draw  a  picture 
sufficiently  animated,  to  render  an  attempt  herey 
unnecessary. 

Tears  embellished  the  rough  features  of  the  offi- 
cer, who  witnessed  this  affecting  scene  :  he  had 
warm  feelings,  though  his  exterior  promised  only 
that  apathy  which  is  too  often  contracted  by  fami- 
liarity with  the  miseries  of  war  ;  and  as  he  request- 
ed permission  to  bear  the  order  for  Demetrius's  re- 
lease, (which  was  not  withheld  a  single  moment 
after  the  discovery  of  Wurtzburgh's  villainy,)  For- 
shiem  would  not  deny  him. 

Though  in  the  service  of  Austria,  this  officer 
was  one  of  that  nation,  so  famous  for  tongues  al- 
ways blundering,  and  hearts  always  right :  "  I  burn 
to  see  these  brave  young  gentlemen,"  said  he,  "  or 
I  would  not  make  so  bold  a  request :  their  very 
names  are  as  holy  and  familiar  to  me,  as  my  Pater- 
noster. By  the  good  of  my  soul,  I'd  rather  shake 
hands  with  one  of  them,  than  see  any  dead  Haro 
that  lives !" 

"  'Tis  impossible  to  doubt  such  an  assertion," 
replied  Forshiem,  "  well,  I'll  have  the  pleasure  of 
presenting  you ;  so  allons  !" 

Again  Forshiem  was  on  the  road  to  Goritia, 
and  again  the  post  horses  seemed  to  mock  the  ar- 
dour of  his  impatience. 

He  staid  scarcely  a  moment  at  his  own  home, 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.  261 

where  he  exchanged  a  hasty  embrace  with  Lorenza> 
while  he  stammered  out  the  joyful  news,  and  then 
rode  off  alone  to  the  mines.  He  would  have  taken 
his  companion  with  him,  but  the  honest  Irishman 
changing  colour,  said  with  great  emotion, 

"  Count,  I  must  decline  that  civility  ;  if  these 
eyes  were  but  xvonst  to  look  on  two  such  noble 
creatures,  in  a  dirty  hold  of  a  mine,  this  arm  would 
wither,  the  first  time  it  struck  a  stroke  for  Austria. 
I'll  never  see  such  a  sight,  Count,  and  so  I'll  for- 
get it,  dare  out  of  hand." 

On  reaching  the  mine,  Forshiem  found  Soldini 
with  the  brothers :  he  told  his  tale  like  a  soldier, 
without  preface  ;  and  as  there  was  much  of  the  pain- 
ful in  it,  (at  least,  to  benevolent  tempers,)  neither 
of  his  auditors  had  their  joy  unmixed. 

The  immediate  removal  of  Demetrius,  follow- 
ed ;  Soldini's  care  provided  against  any  danger  from 
too  sudden  a  shock  of  pure  air,  and  he  reached  For- 
shiem's  house,  much  exhausted  in  body,  but  exhila- 
rated in  spirit. 

The  gratitude  with  which  Leopolstat  opened 
his  arms  to  his  brother-officer,  was  increased  by  the 
pleasure  of  beholding  in  him,  the  identical  Irishman 
whom  he  remembered  in  the  Arch-ducal  library : 
Murphy  recognised  his  person  instantly,  and  the 
adventure  was  then  reverted  to,  with  a  gaiety,  in 
jvhich,  both  Forshiem  and  his  wife  largely  partook. 

The  health  of  Demetrius  being  inadequate  to 


262     The  hungariak  brothers. 

so  long  a  journey,  as  that  from  Idria  to  Vienna, 
obliged  the  whole  party  to  remain  banished  from 
the  scene  of  their  warmest  wishes.  Charles  felt 
his  happiness  incomplete  till  he  shared  it  with  Ade- 
laide ;  and  Demetrius  scarcely  trusted  the  continu- 
ance of  his,  while  absent  from  Constantia. 

An  official  mandate,  had  recalled  the  Prince  of 
Nuremberg  and  his  family  to  the  Capital.  There, 
confounded  with  the  crimes  of  his  former  associate, 
and  disgraced  by  universal  suspicion,  the  Prince 
found  himself  all  at  once  precipitated  from  the 
height  of  dignity  and  influence  into  an  abyss  of 
shame.  Unable  to  endure  this  outward  contempt, 
and  inward  hatred,  he  made  a  merit  of  necessity  j 
pleaded  the  deception  which  had  been  practised  on 
himself;  and  as  a  proof  that  he  was  actuated  by 
patriotism  rather  than  private  pique,  gave  his  con- 
sent unasked,  to  the  marriage  of  his  niece.  He 
then  committed  her  to  the  protection  of  Adelaide, 
and  hastened  to  bury  his  disgrace  in  the  retirement 
of  the  country. 

Pierre  had  died  of  his  wound.  Wurtzburgh 
was  publicly  arraigned,  tried,  condemned,  and  exe- 
cuted as  a  traitor.  The  fearful  sentence  always 
passed  upon  such  criminals,  was  tremendously  ful- 
filled on  him,  before  multitudes  of  soldiers  and  citi- 
zens :  His  death  was  shocking,  but  it  excited  no 
pity. 

Impatient  to  behold  the  objects  of  his  tenderest 


•THE  HUNGARIAN'  BROTHERS.  26o 

affection,  Demetrius  absolutely  wrested  Soldini's 
permission  to  travel :  no  sooner  was  it  obtained  .> 
than  he  hastened  to  commence  this  passionately- 
desired  journey.  His  soul  was  on  the  wing  ;  and 
ere  the  tardy  carriage  had  borne  him  three  leagues 
from  Idria,  he  had  a  thousand  times  embraced  in 
idea,  every  member  of  the  dear  circle  at  Baron  In- 
gersdorPs. 

While  he  was  lost  in  transporting  anticipation 
Charles,  desirous  to  indulge  him  in  them,  took    r~ 
weight  of  conversation  upon  himself;  and  delicaid 
ly  drew  from  the  worthy  Murphy,  a  history  Qme- 
disappointments  and  cares.     Murphy  was  a    ^  ex~ 
tern,  without  interest  or  fortune,  with  a  wife     rst 
children,  and  had  long  been  hopeless  of  the  promt 
tion  his  services  merited  :  Charles  had  the  power 
to  make  him  happy ;  and  Murphy  was  soon  after- 
wards raised  to  the  rank  he  wished. 

When  Demetrius  first  entered  the  room  which 
contained  the  friends  he  loved,  a  mist  covered  his 
eyes;  he  turned  from  Adelaide  to  the  Marshal, 
from  the  Baron  to  Madame  Reusmarck,  embracing 
each,  in  such  wild  tumult,  as  to  be  hardly  sensible 
who  it  was  that  pressed  him  in  their  arms.  '  Yet 
his  heart,  was  full  of  nothing  but  Constantia  :  his 
sight  began  to  clear,  and  then  he  looked  round  for 

her. 

Unable  to  endure  her  joy,  before  so  many  wit- 
nesses, she  had  rushed  into  an  adjoining  room,  the 


♦264  THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

moment  his  voice  reached  her  from  the  hall :  Adt> 
laide  whispered  this  to  him,  and  the  next  instant  he 
was  alone  with  Constantia ;  clasping  her  again  and 
again  to  his  bosom,  even  as  he  had  found  her,  kneel- 
ing  upon  the  ground,  in  the  act  of  hasty  thanks- 
giving. 

The  dark  velvet  dress  of  Constantia,  and  the 
,  black  fur  about  the  uniform  and  cap  of  Demetrius, 
endered  their  mutual  paleness  peculiarly  visible : 
,it  what  was  personal  alteration  to  them,  who  doated 
r       each  other's  hearts  ;  who  seemed  to  drink  each 
,    •   i  r's  souls,  in  the  pure  kiss  of  virtuous  and  happy 
v        e  ! — What  was  it  to  them,  who  saw  in  each 
j  Aer,  the  fountain  of  life,  of  health,  and  of  joy? — 
,       At  that  blissful  hour,  every  thing  sad,  was  obli- 
-  terated  from  the  memory  of  Demetrius;  he  felt  as 
if  entering  on  a  new  being;  and  while  his  eyes  fond- 
ly wandered  over  every  lineament  of  his  once  bloom- 
ing Constantia,  while  gratitude  sweetly  suggested  the 
qause  of  her  changed  person,  he  murmured  out-*- 
"  D-arer — O  heaven  !  how  much  dearer !  " — Con- 
stantia's  heart  echoed  the  sentiment,  and  her  glow- 
ing eyes  revealed  it. 

Charles  first  ventured  to  invade  their  retire- 
ment :  while  he  was  speaking  to  the  blushing 
Princess,  and  claiming  the  name  of  brother,  the  rest 
of  the  exiled  party  stole  in,  and  Adelaide  appeared 
with  her  infant.  At  that  sight,  Demetrius  drew 
away  the  arm  with  which  he  encircled  the  waist  of 


THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS.        265 

his  beloved,  and  starting -up,  snatched  the  babe  from 
its  mother :  He  covered  its  face  with  kisses,  he  held 
it  to  his  breast  with  an  emotion  that  surprised  him- 
self; "  The  child  of  my  brother !"  he  said  in  thought, 
over  and  over  again  ;  and  as  he  repeated  the  magic 
phrase,  a  thrill  of  tenderness  ran  through  his  veins. 

It  was  long  ere  he  would  part  with  it :  when  he 
did  so,  Adelaide  delivered  the  smiling  boy  to  its 
father. 

Charles  held  it  awhile  in  his  arms,  with  unutter- 
able emotion :  the  spell  which  had  hitherto  been  laid 
on  its  innocent  endearments,  was  broken,  for  Deme- 
trius was  restored.  "  Now  then,  my  child ! "  he  ex- 
claimed, and  pressed  it  to  his  lips,  "  for  the  first 
time,  I  kiss  thee,  with  all  the  joy,  and  all  the  fond- 
ness of  a  father." 

His  eyes  turned  from  his  son  to  Demetrius, 
rested  on  him  for  an  instant,  then  floating  in  tears? 
raised  themselves  towards  heaven. — 


IT  was  in  the  Castle  of  Leopoistat,  when  every 
object  sparkled  with  the  gay  light  of  summer,  that 
Demetrius  received  the  hand  of  Constantia. 

Blooming  as  May  herself,  the  Princess  had  re- 
gained all  those  charms  which  genuine  Love  prizes 
while  they  are  in  being,  but  laments  not,  when  they 

VOJL.  II,  a  a 


266       THE  HUNGARIAN  BROTHERS. 

disappear;  and  the  polished  cheek  of  her  Deme- 
trius, glowed  again,  with  the  lustre  of  health. 

United  inseparably  to  the  women  they  loved  j 
bound  to  their  various  friends  by  the  sweetest  ties 
of  obligation  ;  and  gifted  with  immense  wealth  ; — 
the  Hungarian  Brothers  were  deeply  impressed  with 
this  conviction,  that  superior  blessings,  demand  su- 
perior virtues:  They  now  study  how  to  combine 
magnificence  with  utility ;  and  happiness  with  reli- 
gious awe :  their  duties  are  their  enjoyments  ;  and 
their  r^hes,  "  making  to  themselves  wings,"  hourly 
a  fly  away,  as  an  eagle  towards  heaven ;  in  their 
flight  beautiful ;  and  celestial  in  their  end*" 


THE   END. 


s 


& 

s 


3  JH 


